Not A Lawyer
Lumiose City
-There are a lot of fancy buildings in Lumiose. Some of them are too big to be called "townhouses", but not quite big enough to be called "mansions". It's by the back door of one of these buildings that Kahlia and her Crobat are waiting, glancing nervously around as if expecting to be accosted at any second. Not that that's likely, thanks to the SEP field, but she still seems on edge regardless.-
Gangrel: <You know, you could avoid this entirely if you would just man up and->
Kahlia: Shush.
-Eventually, the door opens, and a handsome, androgynous-looking man with floppy dark hair and a Golurk by his side looks Kahlia up and down.-
Nathaniel: <So. The Prodigal Daughter Returns.>
Handsome Man: Back again?
Kahlia: Yeah, yeah, my last deal didn't turn out the way I'd hoped. Sue me.
Handsome Man: Wouldn't dream of it. Not as long as you're a regular customer, of course.
-He gives a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.-
Handsome Man: And I do hope you're planning to pay off your tab this time. I'd hate to have to cut you off.
Kahlia: You won't have to. Check out this beauty.
-She reaches around in her bag for a few moments before pulling out the Ruby of the Red Continent and showing it to the man.-
Handsome Man: Oh, my... that is a beauty indeed. Though I have to wonder why it's the only thing you've brought me after weeks in absentia.
-He leans in closer.-
Handsome Man: Let me guess. You wanted to hand this off to some pretty little number in the hope that he - or she, I'm not one to judge - would be so wowed that they'd let you drain them every couple of days for the rest of eternity, am I right?
Kahlia: ...No, I-
Handsome Man: Please don't lie to me, dear. It's okay. We've all had that thought before, but let me tell you, it never works out. Even if they're on board with the whole horrific process in the first place, over time you'll just get hungrier and hungrier, and they'll just become more and more lifeless, until... well, I hardly need to finish that thought, do I?
-He smiles broadly.-
Handsome Man: You're a monster, Lia. We're all monsters. That's why people like you and I come here, because at least we're amongst friends.
Kahlia: ...Just take the damn ruby, Livius.
-Livius's smile never fades as he takes the gem from Kahlia and looks at it closely.-
Livius: Hmm... I have to say, this is a good find. It'll look lovely on the mantlepiece, that's for certain. You've earnt yourself a few more weeks, my darling.
-Kahlia rankles at the comment, but simply nods in response.-
Kahlia: ...Thank you.
Livius: No no no, thank you. I'm simply a provider of a service, while you bring me so many wonderful things. I can't wait to see what you'll bring me next. Whatever it is, it can't be any harder to acquire than a single person, and you've already demonstrated that you don't have the stomach for that.
-His grin broadens.-
Livius: Though again, I can't complain. After all, your squeamishness keeps me in business. So, do come on in...
Edited by Herbert40k on Aug 3rd 2018 at 4:13:01 PM
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.
Sholto: <Disappearing act, huh? I might like to see that...>
-Hearing Atreyu- <Former Angela Riches, huh? Guess that might explain some stuff...>
<Anyway, I'm gonna call in some backup for handling some of this, arresting Molloy, and then we can hopefully get you two back.>
Hajime: "Uh, sure, thanks."
Edited by CorvusAtrox on Aug 3rd 2018 at 7:34:15 AM
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
<Thank you,> Atreyu commented.
Calvin just lay on the floor.
"I think they mean the owner used a whip and a electric attack, probably a taser," JD explained, "That would make more sense, but also imply a sense of presentation, we aren't just dealing with a thief, probably a costumed individual who thinks their hot shit."
He began to ponder when he received a message from Clever, the car was done.
Stowing that away JD turned back to the Security Officer and the Noctowl, "Do you two know if there are any other stores like this or any gems that relate to the ruby?"
Lumiose
A blue vested Barbaracle and Lumineon are at a street corner, selling some kind of berry-flavored ice cream.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
Some Rando
Casa Del Rever V. 2.0
Colt laid back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, head pounding somewhat from the chaotic sounds of gaming systems, controllers and angry Pokémon cries around him. He looked at the T.V. to find Roy and Sunny tag-teaming in [Mario Party] against Lucario and Sylveon, the two of them arguing about some play that they weren’t paying attention to.
Colt spoke up immediately with impatience dripping. “You guys wanna do a League?” He asked from his bed, annoyed at his team going for each other’s throats. “I think you guys are getting restless.”
With a single blepp, everyone was gone.
Oreburgh
The team touched down in the Center. Colt returned everyone except for Roy, Julius, Pyukumuku and Xatu.
“Okay, I understand that you guys are probably rather tired of combat,” Colt figured. “So I just want to let you guys know that you won’t be involved in this challenge, but feel free to tell me otherwise.”
Pyukumuku shrugged with one hand somehow, Julius and Roy responded with a chorus of “your call” but Xatu wasn’t there.
Colt’s Mindscape
“Hang on, guys!” Programmer announced. “Getting a message from Xatu!”
He slammed a few buttons and an image showed up. A poster describing how it wanted its reader to join the Bronze Birds, but they only knew because the words were overlaid on the image with Xatu loosely translating the chicken scratch.
“Where did he even find this?” Otaku asked.
“Who are we to stunt what he wants to do?” Ambition considered.
“Negligent?” Smartass asked, slamming away on the keyboard.
Reality
I’m not going to stop you, Colt started, just check back in with us from time-to-time. I worry about ya.
The psychic link dropped. “Xatu dropped out of the gym challenge. I’m not gonna stop him. First guy’s a rock trainer. I don’t know his team, but I know who I want to take.”
Oreburgh Gym
Colt ascended the steps to challenge Roark, meeting eyes with him across the arena. The two trainers met eyes and nodded, each grabbing a ‘mon.
In unison, Helmsman and a Probopass landed on opposite sides, the Samurott visibly elated that he could get some work done as evidenced by his first reaction. He shoved his seamitar into the dirt as a geyser erupted around him.
Probopass exploded. The Water-type’s now even more damp coat carried the charge too well for him to move that well, but he powered through the stinging to demonstrate his resolve.
The Steel-type staggered backwards and lobbed some stones that missed, but hovered around.
Helmsman channeled what water he could into rushing Probopass down. Probopass retaliated with rocks that actually connected.
Helmsman, breathing labored, forewent power for the initiative. The Rock-type fell, defeated.
Helmsman, visibly angered with himself for almost losing to a ‘mon with an unfavorable matchup, decided that he would make sure he would not lose to the next ‘mon he had to face.
Rampardos appeared and powered through the Aqua Jet to deliver a Zen Headbutt that forced the Samurott into unconsciousness.
Colt returned his starter and grabbed a Great Ball. He threw it forth, and Rei materialized with two claws in Rampardos’ face, only to back into some Stealth Rocks, which really scratched her back up.
Angered, she clutched a Z-Crystal close to herself and spoke up, catching her trainer off guard.
<Something takes a part of me.>
Colt, confused, almost lost the rhythm before he figured out the next part.
“Something lost and never seen.”
Rei unleashed her full-force Z-Move!
Black Hole Eclipse Illegal Tactics
Just before Rampardos connected with a Head Smash attack, Rei grabbed him by the hand, slammed him into the ground and suplexed him like she would if she were using Foul Play, the only difference being Rampardos also landed on the same Stealth Rocks that Rei had managed to more or less herd up onto her side of the field. Rei didn’t feel them with the Fossil Pokémon’s body acting as a cushion.
She threw him aside and dusted herself off. Rampardos eventually managed to stand up and use Head Smash again, to noticeable effect.
Rei managed to stand up again, and rushed down Rampardos like he had done to her in a slight twist of irony.
Rampardos’ head collided with the ground, and he didn’t seem able to get up.
Roark, down to his last ‘mon, smirked and grabbed the ‘ball. It rocketed forward and opened, its Tyranitar roaring challenge upon landing.
The roar also summoned a sand storm.
Rei, with sand in her eyes, could not land the Icicle Crash that she had hoped to use on Tyranitar, and it took nothing but a Fire Fang for Rei to be rendered incapable.
Before Colt could even return Rei, Lucario materialized, the Expert Belt around his eyes. With nary a pause to breath, he started channeling, but it wasn’t an Aura Sphere. The ball kept growing until it was more than half as big as D.C.
Tyranitar buckled under the tremendous force of the attack before he stamped a foot on the ground with monstrous force. He then propelled himself forward with speed Colt and D.C. didn’t know was possible.
The Steel-type took the move before his spikes lit up. With no warning, a beam of hard light came out of D.C.’s chest spike and made Tyranitar stagger again.
Breathing labored, he ran down D.C. again, fangs bared.
The Lucario smiled as his fur burned. He stole the wind from the dying sandstorm and wrapped it around his wrist before he sent it all flying at Tyranitar. The Dark-type fell onto his back, and couldn’t get up as he wasn’t awake.
The badge flew over, which D.C. caught and attached to the frayed end of his Expert Blindfold. Colt returned the Steel-type and walked out the door.
Next stop, Eterna.
Bronze Bird HQ(?)
A Xatu blepped into existence, looking between the flyer and the building to confirm if he had the right place. Someone help this confused birb.
[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]
The Black Crystal
-The Criminal watches as one of the pillars falls under the combined weight of the team's firepower. He then watches Ludmilla pick it up with a massive invisible hand and smash it into the other two, causing both the lightning and gas to sputter to a stop.-
-His nose flairs and his jaw clenches.-
-He drops down from the ceiling.-
-He isn't smiling anymore.-
The Criminal: You know, I thought I could have some fun.
-He undoes his cuffs.-
The Criminal: But you know what? I've been stuck in a prison for what I can only assume at this point is millennia. Felt longer.
-He rolls up his sleeves.-
The Criminal: And you know what? Fun is overrated when freedom is a handful of circus rejects away.
-He brushes his hair back into a spiky widow's peak.-
The Criminal: No more lightning. No more poison. No more games.
-The world goes dark.-
-Pitch black.-
The Criminal, Unchained
Stage 3
Bargaining
-A flash!-
Dunescape
-Ren is blasted upwards as shadowy spikes blast upwards from the ground. Fortunately, Ren escaped impalement, but man did that sting something fierce. Ren lands, his free hand and feet digging into the ground to counter the inertia pushing him back. In his other hand, he's charging his gunslash's shot.-Ren: Right. Elements are a bad idea now.
-The highlights on Ren's armor change back to pale-green as he fires his charged shot - sounding something a combination of a large caliber handgun and a scifi laser blast - at Criminal. Ren's eye, reacting to renewed source of photons, flares up, looking like Ren's eye is emitting blue flames.-
They who say "heck"
Stormchaser
-After an indeterminate amount of time, Kala and Kael find an open door, but it's not what they were looking for. It looks like someone's room, with a bathroom and a bedroom. The room number is 724.-
Kael: <Kala, are you sure we should be looking in here? This is probably someone else's room.>
Kala: Uh, yeah. It'll be fine, probably. We just gotta... look around a bit, see if we can't figure out whose room this is.
-They do so, but they don't actually find anything worthwhile. Kala looks around a bit.-
Kala: Hm... let's just say this is ours for the time being.
Kael: <Well... I suppose we did need a place to stay, but I'm only accepting this under the pretense that this actually is meant to be ours.>
-Kala claims one of the two beds in the bedroom.-
Kala: Mmm... actual comfort. If I wasn't already awake, I'd be ready to sleep this instant.
Kael: <Hm... this almost seems too convenient. Are you sure this isn't a trap of some kind?>
Kala: Oh, please... why would they leave a trap for us? We haven't done anything wrong... mostly...
-Kael sighs.-
Kael: <Yes, you're mostly right about that, but still... I'd think I have good reasons for being suspicious.>
R S M depths
Shinobi: <And they've gone insane, wonderful.>
-He takes a deep breath, then blows a room filling smokescreen at the party's feet before grabbing Slyph and dashing-
<Let's go, straight ahead!>
Not A Lawyer
Lumiose City, Jaide Jewellers - Past
-Shun nods at JD.-
Shun: That would make sense. I have officially been assigned to the, ahem, "costumed weirdos" beat, and this sounds like their modus operandi. A very specific item taken, calling cards left behind... as much as I hate to say it, this may be part of a new trend.
-The security guard shrugs.-
Guard: Uh... there's a lot of jewellery stores in Lumiose.
Noctowl: <We're the best, though!>
Guard: As for similar gems, I know there was one dedicated to Kyogre as well. Dunno the name, or if the company has it - that stuff's way above my pay grade.
-Shun turns back to JD with a faint smile.-
Shun: Well, at least now we know that there's something we ought to be keeping an eye on.
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.
JD smirked, "Well then. I know a contact that can help me locate it pretty easily."
Clever's avatar, unseen to everyone but JD laughed deeply, "That's the first step. Stop being the puppet, become the puppetmaster. Manipulation, I like it. By the way, your car will be teleported outside."
JD smiled, "Gentlemen, thank you for your time. We'll be moving onto the next target."
JD stepped out, "Shun follow me."
Not A Lawyer
Lumiose City, Jaide Jewellers - Past
-The security guard nods in thanks at JD as Shun turns away.-
Shun: Alright, let's go.
-He follows after JD, still smiling faintly and slightly stupidly.-
Shun: So, we have a lead, a potential suspect, and some idea where we're heading next. I like this. It's a nice change of pace from how my cases usually go.
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.
Eclipse the Moon
Xymansion, 5 quadrillion years ago
Levi squeezes Lucius' cheeks with one firm hand placed under his chin.
Levi: Yes, you are the most interesting, good-looking dumbass I have met~! Outside of myself of course~
Xylander laughs.
Xylander: That's a rare moment of self awareness from you, Levi~
Levi: Hey! Are you complaining Xy~?
Xylander finishes off his cup.
Xylander: Touche
Xylander examines the teapot, noticing that it's empty, before placing it down again.
Xylander: Well, we're out of tea. Which means that ''you', Levi, should be getting on with the making banquet.
Levi: Aww, do I have to?
Xylander: ...Levi this whole ordeal was you're idea.
Levi: ..True!
Levi gives Lucius a big ol' kiss on the lips as he releases Lucius from his lip and bounds off the couch towards the kitchen.
Levi: I would say it'll take a while, but this place is a little odd so by the time you come back from wherever Xy takes you, it should be done! Toodles~
Levi disappears through one of the strange doors that seem permeate throughout the Mansion. Xylander laughs, stands up, and snaps his fingers, the robes that were hanging on the coat-rack are now, once again, draping his figure.
Xylander: Now, with pleasantries and tea out of the way, you two really want to see the Cellar, don't you~?
I'm having to learn to pay the price
Not A Lawyer
Xymansion - It's Been 84 Years...
-Lucius staggers back in surprise from Levi's kiss, but returns it enthusiastically before pulling away.-
Lucius: I guess we'll just have to stick together to find out who's the dumbest, handsomest moron between us.
-He turns to Xylander as Levi darts off.-
Lucius: Um... yeah, I guess we do. Not saying it's the thing I most want to see in this place, but Scar seems to be getting all existential, and I tend to find booze is a good cure for that. Or it makes things worse. It's 50/50, really.
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
-Scarlette blinks out of her existential spacing-out momentarily-
Scarlette: Hmm? Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, that sounds good. Might also help dull the third-wheeling you guys are putting me through. Fourth wheeling? Four wheels kinda loses the metaphor, because that just makes it a car...
They who say "heck"
Stormchaser, Probably Recently
-After having rested a bit, Kala puts a note on their new room, telling people that, yes, it is in fact theirs.-
Kala: That'll tell 'em it's ours... and so we're able to easily remember where it is.
Kael: <I can imagine a few ways for this to backfire... but all of them seem highly unlikely at the moment. Shall we get going again?>
Kala: Yeah, let's go. Still gotta do the thing. The thing that I... kinda... forgot. Whoops.
Kael: <Step 1: Find Ersatz. Step 2: Obtain Pokemon-to-Human armband. Step 3: Let me catch you in Poke-form. Step 4: Pretend our roles are reversed for a while. Step 5: Profit off their confusion. Easy.>
Kala: Well, alright... even though I'm probably gonna forget that last step, still sounds like fun.
-Kala sighs, bringing him along into the halls of the Stormchaser and looking for the enterance to the Ersatz Alliance once more.-
Eclipse the Moon
Xymansion.
Xylander ponders.
Xylander: There's fifth-wheeling, but... that would require there to be four other people before the proverbial 5th wheel.
He thinks.
Xylander: This is rather perturbing. Oh well, it'll be less perturbing once the alcohol enters your systems~
Xylander walks over to the door... wait, wasn't that the door you guys entered through? Anyway, he opens the door and there's a long staircase down into some rather dark depths.
Xylander: Anyway, follow me~
Xylander descends into the pitch black depths of the cellar, Lucius and Scarlette trailing behind cautiously. Until Xylander abruptly stops midway (?).
Xylander: Oh, I should probably turn on the lights, *ahem*~
Xylander snaps his fingers, and lights slow stagger on before illuminating the whole area.
Two things are revealed: a) The party is already at the bottom of the staircase, despite the fact they seemed to be only halfway down a moment ago and b) Woah, Xerneas/Xylander's alcohol cellar seems to go on for miles and is packed to the brim with all kinds of poisons. Some seem to be so old that they're not even produced anymore.
Xylander: -Outstretching his arms- Ah~! My most prize abode~ Filled with every intoxicating beverage from history until the now, preserved and as fresh as the day it was made~
Xylander gives the two a coy smile.
Xylander: When you're a god, you tend to get a lot of offerings, and it's always the good stuff~ I've got so much booze I just didn't know what to do with it! So, this cellar was formed~
Xylander gestures.
Xylander: Have a peak! Wines are the most common beverage you'll find, but there isn't a poison on earth that I don't possess, and everything is marked accordingly~
Xylander bows.
Xylander: You are guests, after all~ Just, don't break anything~
The air seems to get cold.
Xylander: That would be very bad indeed.
Edited by PippingFool on Aug 4th 2018 at 2:58:24 AM
I'm having to learn to pay the price
Some Rando
Eterna Gym
A woman entered the gym, a kanji Gardenia couldn’t read from across the building on her shirt. The two of them nodded at each other, one grabbing a Great Ball with the other grabbing a Pokéball.
A Dusk Lycanroc landed on the arena and tried to meet eyes with the Cherrim put in front of him. When it was obvious Cherrim would remain in hiding, he summoned some spires to surround him before he shattered them into dust.
A ball of fire emanated from Cherrim and went into the sky, lingering there. When no one was looking, Flower Gift activated, and Cherrim opened herself up to the sun.
As well as her opponent’s assault, which both caused cutting and burning.
Cherrim responded with a beam of light that hurt much more than it should have.
Her opponent shook himself off and shook his head before he ran Cherrim down, grabbed her and slammed his head into hers as best he could.
The Lycanroc barely felt the recoil but Cherrim could barely move, clutching a pounding head. She dropped Leech Seeds as she staggered around to nurse her aching head.
The Lycanroc launched her into the ceiling, and Gardenia returned her.
Gardenia then threw forth another Pokéball and Talbain had to jump so as not to fall face-first. The Torterra he now had to face just stared at him. They stared at each other for a while.
Talbain’s eyes went red. Torterra, confused, could barely react to Talbain’s completely graceless salvo of limbs, bites and insults.
Torterra merely needed to trap his adversary under his weight before he tapped out. After Torterra struggled to lift himself up, he came face-to-face with a Kalosian fire fox.
Sunny nodded a quick hello before she twirled her staff. The fire continued to build before she sent the ball at Torterra and she watched it explode. The Continent Pokémon shook it off, the smoke wafting away.
Boulders flew at Sunny, some causing noticeable scrapes. She staggered under the blows but retaliated with an onslaught on Torterra’s skull. He roared in pain caused by the migraine before he couldn’t take it and fainted.
Gardenia returned the Continent Pokémon and threw forth her last one. The Roserade landed, only to be met with a Mystical Fire from Sunny.
A little insulted, she threw out a Shadow Ball that looked particularly brutal, but Sunny stood up and made an attempt to dazzle her.
She didn’t know she was a poison type until a Sludge Bomb hit her in the face and she fell, unconscious.
The challenger’s shirt wore the character “変” as she grabbed one last Pokéball. She threw forth a Great Ball, and a Sylveon landed.
Roserade threw out everything she had, and Sylveon responded with an announcement of <Sunny taught me this one!>
Roserade fell, defeated.
Sylveon parried the Badge with a Swift star and caught it with a feeler. She and her trainer walked out the door before walking behind the gym.
5 Minutes Later
<How did we do?> Talbain asked, coughing.
“Ya did good. Ya did good,” Amaterasu responded softly, spraying a Hyper Potion onto her shapeshifted trainer.
<I know the hell you go through for me a little better,> Talbain said after he drank a little water. <Bluh, I’m not as used to the pain as I hoped.>
“Keep goin’,” Ammy goaded. “Walk it off, Talbain,” she started as they began the trek to the next gym. “Walk it off...”
About a Half Hour Later
“Feeling better?”
<Yeah,> Talbain considered, having drank a bit more water and having had the chance to rest in his Pokéball. The two of them rested under a tree.
“Good to hear,” Ammy decided. “I’m not going to make you fight again, given you’re used to delegation. I’ll give you back control.”
With that, she removed the choker and Talbain placed a paw on the Sun Stone around his neck.
The vulpine Ninetales returned to her Pokéball as her trainer picked up his crap.
There was a slight caveat, though, in that they had garnered a local Pokémon’s attention.
<Yo did you just turn into a human?> A Staravia asked, flying around Colt while making glances at him. <Dude that’s so cool, why did your trainer turn into a ‘mon though? She’s not used to that kind of pain, right?>
Colt chugged some water. “It is painful to not be experienced in combat and yet do a battle anyway, much less not in your original form. I should know. I’m the trainer.”
<You said that like it’s commonplace. Dude if that stuff is dull, I wanna see some excitement. I’m going with ya and you can’t stop me.>
“Alright,” Colt shrugged, then he stood up. “My name’s Colton Kendall Rever, just call me Colt. Your name?”
He stopped mid-flight and landed, looking at Colton like he had two heads. <People typically just call me Staravia, you Staravia, or that damned Staravia,> he conceded.
Mindscape
“Otaku!” Talbain hollered. “C’mon, draw up a name already!”
“Workin’ on it!” Otaku defended. “Okay, so we have a speedy little bugger, looking for excitement while at the same time being a nuisance to everyone involved. Where do I know that from?”
Some annoying song started playing from the screen. “Not now, guys!” Otaku demanded, looking up at the screen, ready to pause it until he saw what he was looking at.
“Holy crap! That’s genius!”
Reality
“How about Warner?”
The Starling Pokémon, now christened with a new name, flew alongside his newfound trainer. This was probably gonna be fun, although he was going to have to play catchup.
Meh, comes with the territory.
[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]
Not A Lawyer
Xymansion - A Land Before Time
-Lucius looks over at Scarlette.-
Lucius: Hey, you asked to come along. You could've just had my room to yourself, drinking shitty beer and watching shitty 00's animated movies all night, but no, you had to come out to this p-
-His voice catches in his throat as the lights come on to reveal the full contents of Xylander's cellar.-
Lucius: ...p-p-paradise.
-A broad grin spreads across his face, apparently unfazed by Xylander's warning.-
Lucius: So, shall we make it a contest and see how many years of offerings we can each get through? I'm gonna shoot for five, myself~
-He grabs the nearest bottle without heed for its contents.-
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.
"Stick with me kid and it's a different ballgame. Having a replicant on your side is to your benefit."
As they stepped out, the air cracked with static electricity and before them materialized a futuristic looking car, it looked like a spinner from Blade Runner, JD stepped into the driver's seat, "Hop in, use the computer to search up that Kyogre gem."
Several arrests had been made today, several hunters from the Guild had been caught thanks to the evidence Sholto had brought in, they refused to talk so far but thanks to the sketches of their faces, they were identified.
Suffice to say, all were very displeased.
Ribbon leaped and let out a evil giggle as the fist came down, dodging again before letting out a Fairy wind. The Lucario before her sputtered and growled a bit, he charged again and used a brick break, tossing his left fist.
Ribbon let out a <EEP!> and dodged as it struck a tree, the metal fist colliding and breaking the bark.
Silas pulled his fist out and curled it a bit, <Arm is doing real well.>
<I'd say,> Ribbon responded, <Was worried about it. Feel any different?>
Silas waved it about, <Bit slower than my old flesh and blood one. Especially in this form.>
<Really? I don't see a difference, hell you almost had me with that strike!>
Silas waved the arm about a bit, <Okay, one last final stress test before I switch back.>
Hacks smirked, having been recording the entire thing with a video camera, "Alright Stylus, give it a shot."
Silas ignored that name and took a deep breath, bringing himself together as he braced his feet, palms together as a aura sphere began to charge, and then, <AURA STORM!>
He jutted his hands outward and the beam flew forward, cutting through several trees before them, the metal arm hissed as steam vented off of it, Silas shaking the arm, <Really smart installing that venting system... arm feels very hot right now.>
Hacks surveyed the destruction, "Niiiiiiice... We're ready for Angela. Just gotta get me to stick like this somehow and then we can head off. Why did you pick this location?"
Silas took off the scarf and returned to human form, he shook his left arm letting the metal cool a bit as he brushed back his hair. "Quiet secluded area, used to be a major fishing spot but nobody's been out here in years, makes sense for a area where we don't want to be spotted."
Hacks nodded and took off his scarf, ~Does make sense. So, looking forward to Angela.~
"Truth be told the idea of spending a extended period of time in pokemon form isn't something I'd like to experience, but at least now I'm with individuals I actually like, and I'm not gonna be used to steal pokemon... or go mad under the effects of a aura jammer, or be hugged by a conkledur with no sense of personal space."
Hacks frowned a bit, ~Dude that sounds like a lot... you sure you ok?~
"Maybe I should look into a therapist."
As the group walked, they started to hear something, screeching of sorts. Silas blinked and looked down the path and began to follow it, as he got closer, the screeching became more coherent, and sounded more panicked.
<Aaaaa!! Aaaaa!! Heeeelp!>
Silas entered another clearing and saw in some bushes was a Rowlet, only one of their wings was for some reason up in the air, with a thing tied around it. Silas then realized what it was, a fishing line someone had carelessly left up and the poor thing had gotten tangled in. The rowlet was wide eyed and panicked, and as Silas got close, it freaked out and started to flap about, resulting in it only going in a circle.
Snakeye being one of the more sensible members asked, <What in tarnation is a Rowlet doing all the way in Kalos?>
Amber responded with <Does it matter? It needs help!>
Silas got close and gripped the line, the Rowlet stopped shaking around so much, he brought his other hand up to hold onto the Rowlet, but it took a bit of effort, seemed it didn't like the sight of a metal hand and the line still had it panicked.
Silas eventually grasped onto the ruffled owl and held it still long enough to cut the line, the Rowlet continued to shriek and panic a bit, but it was clear the further it went on, the more exhausted it got. The knot was tied tight and it took a bit of effort, the Rowlet eventually just quieted down, still somewhat panicked but clearly too tired to fight.
Silas sat down and got the last bit of fishing line off and patted the panicked bird, "You're fine now, okay... you still scared? Wanna come with me?" he asked softly.
The rowlet took a moment before just nodding, Silas picked up a pokeball and gently tapped it against the Rowlet, "Welcome to the team Oliver."
Silas stood up and stretched, "Let's get over to a Pokecenter, Oliver needs to get checked out and I am not a doctor."
Tae whistled, Silas was confused as to how a Swampert could do that, <Impressive work there, how did you keep so calm? Actually how did you switch to that non-threatening monotone?>
Silas smirked a bit, "Before I met any of you guys, Hacks got himself into some trouble and I had to talk him through it."
Hacks would have been blushing hard but the look on his face made it clear he was embarrassed, Silas continued to smirk as he walked off, the team following. He at least finally had one embarrassing victory over Hacks at last, this would make Angela far more tolerable.
pain peko
Route 3
Shaun: "Someone's watching us."
Tsuboi: <Then I shall prepare/My powers to protect us, or/Shall I strike first, Shaun?>
Shaun: "...The grass on our left."
-Tsuboi whirs those legs as he charges into the tall grass.-
Shaun: "w h o o p s"
"How-how did I do that?"
Lumiose
-No one pays much attention to the Vulpix girl dancing down the street, headphones on.-
Jessica: "Don't-stop-me nowwwww/'Cause I'm having a good ti-"♪
Have you ever had a small horse dropped on your fragile humanish body? Not a fun experience.
And yet, here I am, pinned under a Ponyta from the sky.
"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"
Fwomph
Dunescape
-Spikes and music, destructive revelry. Masque halves darting amid the chaos-
-Chaos?-
Masque Chaos: Chaos! Someone mask with me!
-The Knowledge half makes a subtle motion-
Masque Chaos: Not you. Someone else.
It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.
Not A Lawyer
Lumiose City, Jaide Jewellers - Past
-Shun is about to say something to JD when he car materialises in front of him.-
Shun: ...Wha-
-Congratulations, you broke Shun. He spends the rest of the trip back tapping away on the computer in silence while his processor reboots.-
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.
Not A Lawyer
Thanks to Pippi for spagging this with me! It's Part 2 of an ongoing dog-related series, the first part of which can be found here.
Route 7, Kalos - A warm summer's day a while back
True to her words, soon after the pampering sessions where Cleo primped and preened her 'Frous to perfection, she took them out on a nice, pleasant walkie along the Riviere Walk, and it was such a pleasant day too. The sun was out, there was a light breeze wafting through the country and compared to the downright abysmal heat from a few days back, the temperature was comparatively cool, yet still comfortably warm.
Yet this comfortable warmth was too warm for one particular stick in the mud, which must be reflective of his cold, dead heart.
Pimpernel: <Could you please explain to me why we have to drag ourselves outside in this heat? My coat is making this just unbearable.>
The Kabuki Cut 'frou chuffs in response with a sneer.
Dandelion: <Really, you consider this "unbearable heat"? Even after Madame Cleo took you to Alola?> *grumble grumble*
The shaggy coat one rolls her eyes.
Azalea: <Come on. It hasn't been even 3 minutes yet and you two are already on your bullshit?>
Pimpernel: <I will admit that this is marginally better than Alola. Key word being "marginally".>
Banksia: <I should note that while temperature is objective, our experience of it is subjective. Different bodies regulate heat in different ways, and moving from climate to climate can cause us to experience both warmth and cold more acutely.>
Lys: <...You just used two sentences to say "heat sometimes feels hotter".>
Rose: <Honestly Banksia, it would take less of your breath and less of our time to just get to the point rather than ramble with the verbal equivalent of padding.>
The Pharaoh Cut 'frou gives a rather angry bark.
Lotus: <Order.>
This group of dog-shaped squabbling cats quickly snap silent at Lotus's bark, which causes Cleo (who is walking all of the 'frous [minus Pimpernel] with one hand) to giggle somewhat.
Cleo: Oh, you cuties are so funny! It's adorable~
Staggering a bit behind Cleo, a rather tipsy Delphox lazily waves her right paw at her trainer, with her left arm slung around her Gallade companion's shoulder.
Pakhet: <Tell me, Charlie boy... Is my trainer delusional or just clueless when it comes to her cavalcade of catty canids?> *hic*
Charles: <Little bit of column A, little bit of column B, methinks.>
Pakhet: <I still can't believe she-> *hrrp!* <She hasn't noticed that they all kinda... hate each other... and have formed cliques like a bunch of bratty teenage highschoolers-> *hic!*
Charles: <Yes, but it probably sounds a lot cuter when all you can hear is them barking at each other.>
Suddenly, as if on cue, Pimpernel lets out a frightened bark and squats down on his haunches.
Pimpernel: <Gah! That tree! There's something in that tree!>
The 'frou with the Debutante Cut begins quivering in his withers.
Buttercup: <S-s-s-something??? Oh nononono that sounds terrifying! Horrifying! Oooooh my stomach aches! Can't I have some confit of Couaneton to quell its shivering pain??>
Pimpernel: <Quiet, you moron! You're gonna make it->
In the middle of Pimpernel's yelling, something drops down out of the tree and waves a leg.
Spinerak: <Hi! I'm Jerry!> :3
Pimpernel: <AAAAAAA KILL IT KILL IT KILL IT>
He jumps into Cleo's arms, trembling with fright.
Cleo: Ack!
Cleo quickly reacts to catch her, may I remind you, 1.2 meter tall dog, for looking around and making eye contact with the Spinerak, before looking at Pimpernel with an expression of disappointment.
Cleo: ...Really Leonard? Really? A Spinerak?
Pimpernel: <...I don't like spiders.>
Cleo give Pimpernel a beleaguered and yet reassuring pet + stroke.
Cleo: There there.
Azalea, Dandelion, Lys, Rose and Lotus all begin cracking up in laughter at Pimpernel's rather embarrassing display. Even Pakhet and Charles couldn't resist a few undignified snorts from the back ranks.
Lotus: <A pathetic little insect? That's what you get all weak-willed and whimpery over?>
Azalea: <Oh my gods Pimpernel. That's embarrassing even for you!>
Dandelion: <To think that an embarrassing fool like you are the Madame's favourite.>
Spinerak: <Did I do something wrong?> :(
Azalea gives a reassuring beouf to the Spinerak.
Azalea: <No, it's just Pimpernel is a lily-livered wuss. You're fine honey~>
Sheepishly, Pimpernel climbs down from Cleo's arms. It's at this point that Clover starts barking too.
Clover: <Forget the Spinerak! There's an agent of the Illuminati coming for us! He's gonna steal our thoughts and sell them to the one-world government! Hide your brainwaves!>
???: My, she's an excitable one, isn't she?
A well-dressed man in a three-piece suit who bears a downright uncanny resemblance to Leonard steps out from around the corner, looking down at Clover. All the other dogs except Pimpernel take a step back, tails raising.
Cleo: Hnnh?
Cleo turns around.
Well-Dressed Man: Oh, my apologies, I didn't mean to startle you.
He looks Cleo up and down with a wide smile.
Well-Dressed Man: Miss de Nile, correct? I do believe I know your brother.
Cleo is slightly taken aback by the sudden introduction of this stranger, who she quickly examines up and down. Though she does have an air of wariness about her, the faint blush on her cheeks and slight raising of her free hand to her lips betray her stronger emotional response.
Cleo: Y-you know my brother? Strange, because I don't think I have ever seen you before... My, my he's rather fetching... And he's got that buttery [Southern] accent too~
Pakhet gives a drunken leery look in the Well Dressed Man's direction.
Pakhet: <I don't know about you Charlie, but I get the very distinct feeling that there's something a lil' off about that guy, doncha think...?>
Charles: <Yeah, he looks way too familiar for a stranger...>
Pimpernel: <I don't like him. Who wears that jacket with that watch? How gauche.>
Oblivious to the discussion happening in Monese, the well-dressed man extends his hand to Cleo.
Well-Dressed Man: Where are my manners? I'm Edouard le Fanu. I work for the de Callone family, managing the legal affairs of their overseas estates, but recently I seem to have got myself caught up in an awful lot of wedding preparations. There must be romance in the air here in Kalos.
He flashes his smile again. Cleo slowly, yet eagerly, extends her hand towards Edouard.
Cleo: Oh! You're working on preparations for Louise and my brother's wedding? Wait... I think I have heard your name before. Pips mentioned that an old family lawyer was helping with the renovation of one of the old estates that was bequeathed to them through through her grandmother, Lydia. I'm guessing you are that fellow? He looks rather youthful for an established lawyer... Not that I'm complaining, he is nice on the eyes~
Cleo chuckles.
Cleo: Well, Kalos is the land of beauty and love. It is not surprise people find romance here~
Pakhet begins grumbling and snarling quietly.
Pakhet: <I don't like this...>
Pimpernel growls.
Pimpernel: <What is with this guy?>
Edouard simply takes Cleo's hand and places a light kiss on the back of it.
Edouard: That would indeed be yours truly. She makes it sound much more exciting than it is, though. Mostly I sit in dusty old offices sifting through dusty old papers that talk about dusty old houses. Honestly, coming to Kalos has been quite a lovely break. I don't know how I'm going to bring myself to go back.
Cleo's blush deepens as Edouard kisses the back of her hand, and she responds to him with a slight chuckle.
Cleo: Well, it can't be all that bad. Pips tells me that [Louisiana(?)] is gorgeous with a deep cultural history of its own. I can't say I'm not looking forward to the wedding in about a month or so from now~
Cleo's smile gets a slight bit coy.
Cleo: I'm assuming as a family friend you've been invited? Or a big fancy do's like this not your style?
Pakhet mimics a vomiting notion in the background.
Azalea: <Ye Gods this is painful>
Dandelion: -Growling- <If this creep doesn't back off from our Madame soon...>
Edouard: Oh, I'll be there. I never miss a chance for drinks and good company on someone else's dime. And of course, it's always a pleasure to meet more of the family~
His tone is as coy as Cleo's own.
Cleo: Drinking on another's dime is always a noble affair, even when you can technically afford to spend a few dubloons on drinks~ So tell me, Monsieur le Fanu, how long do you plan on staying in Kalos for?
Edouard: Oh, I think I'll be staying a while. I've had some good times and made some very rewarding connections. Hopefully it'll be quite some time before I have to disappear.
Cleo: Oh ho ho~ Well, I hope you enjoy your time here Monsieur le Fanu. Or do you prefer to go by Edouard? Even though that's not exactly common business etiquette~
Edouard: You can call me Edouard. After all, this has been more pleasure than business.
He smiles and reaches into his breast pocket, producing an embossed, gold-trimmed business card.
Edouard: Still, if you ever do require my services in a more professional capacity, here's my card. It was lovely meeting you, Miss de Nile.
Cleo: Please, the name is Cléopâtre, "Cleo" for short~
Edouard: Cleo it is, then.
He places his card in Cleo's hand, along with another kiss, and then turns to walk away.
Pimpernel: <Are you quite done with that sleazeball?>
Cleo raises two curled hands to her chin and makes a rather pleased noise, before sneering at Pimpernel and his comment.
Cleo: He was merely being charming and gentlemanly. Maybe you could learn a thing or two from him, Pimpernel. Considering you have all the charm of a hangnail.
Pimpernel: <There's a difference between being charming and coming on stronger than a randy->
There is a burst of light, fitting music, and one magical girl transformation sequence later, Leonard is stood where Pimpernel was, his resemblance to Edouard all the more apparent.
Leonard: -Furfrou.
Myosotis gives a happy sigh.
Myosotis: <Man, I wish I could be a real magical girl like him...>
Lotus gives Myosotis a comforting lick.
Lotus: <Trust me darling, you are a prettier magical girl than he'll ever be.>
Cleo hmphs in response, folding her arms and turning away from Leonard (though secretly appreciating how the doggy clothes she makes him wear tends to manifest as a crop top and short shorts upon transformation to a human).
Cleo: What, and belittling and negging are more charming traits? Please, tell me how you would be charming, I'm dying to hear your methodology.
Leonard: What, and just give away my secrets like that? If you're good at something, never do it for free. Besides, he wasn't even that good-looking.
Cleo turns back to face Leonard.
Cleo: Honestly Leonard, don't flatter yourself. Your appearance is average at best.
Pakhet, in the background: <Maybe so but coming from you, Cleo, that's a blatant lie.>
After the requisite argumentative charades, Cleo actually notices something funny about Leonard, and begins observing him diligently (once again, appreciating the sight of Leonard in tight-fitting clothing) and hums.
Cleo: -Raising a curled finger to her lip- In fact, you have a rather uncanny resemblance to that Edouard fellow. He was more handsome though, you look a little more emaciated and shaggy.
Leonard: What? Don't be ridiculous. He and I look nothing alike. I'm lean, slender and attractive, and he's... not.
His last word comes out more limply that intended as he considers the resemblance. Cleo, sick of the bickering, rolls her eyes and grunts in response.
Cleo: Whatever, Dandelion...
The Kabuki cut Furfrou picks up and bounds over towards Cleo, who pats him in response.
Cleo: Anyway, we got some puppies to continue walking~
And Cleo continues on with her stroll. Dandelion, who usually keeps his distance from Pimpernel and Leonard unless forced into close quarters, actually walks within a closer distance of Leonard this time.
Dandelion: <Now, usually I'd be the one to side with the Madame and against you in all situations permeating at the moment. But, for once in my life, I am with you on how I do not trust that man around Madame Cleo...>
Leonard: For once, we agree on something. Let's just hope she's not stupid enough to actually give him a call...
Staggering behind, Pakhet pokes her friend in his...chest horn (seriously, what do you call that?)
Pakhet: <Urgh. Gag me Charlie. That was almost painful to witness... Especially with Monty not here to liven the mood a bit with his witticisms....>
Charles: <You're telling me. I was far too sober for that whole disastrous affair.>
Pakhet: <My trainer just seems to have such a terrible taste in men. It's almost comical at this point...>
Charles: <Or perhaps she just has a taste for terrible men. There's a difference, after all.>
Pakhet: <'Suppose so. Either way, it's a farce.>
Pakhet and Charles stumble after Cleo, who continues her pleasant stroll with her beloved dogs while also engaging in the time old tradition of exchanging bickercisms with Leonard.
Though, the charming (and incredibly sleazy) fellow from earlier never truly leaves her mind, even as she and Leonard stopped arguing about him.
Edited by Herbert40k on Aug 4th 2018 at 3:08:20 PM
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.
Clay Cave:
"Everyone left for the day, I'm surprised you people are still here. You guys lost or something?" The Woobat replied immediately, prompting Mark to question, "They all left at once, in enough of a hurry to leave things behind they normally never would? The only reason that'd be happening is if there was some kind of emergency—"
"Which is all the more reason you guys shouldn't be here!" The Woobat quickly stated before continuing, "Considering neither one of you have escape ropes tied to your waists, I'd say you're lost unless your machop knows dig, which I doubt...so unless you both want to die in here, I know a shortcut to lead you all out."
Living The Fever Dream