David stared at the two, Silas having his subtle smirk on, smiling outright was getting exhausting and he'd probably need some form of mental break soon, and then to Diane who's face betrayed no lies.

David opened his mouth to speak, and then found no words, "Just... what?"

Silas shrugged, "You saw what happened last year to me. That other dimension where Man and Mon are one in the same."

"Yeah the Furryverse, we still have that Onix from there. So... Diane here is a avianthrope?"

"Yep."

"And your pokemon are somehow now in human form walking about?"

"Basically."

"Jeez... is everything I know wrong?"

"Black is white and short is long!" Roxy responded walking by with some snacks.

"I'm gonna... go, I need to smoke," David responded walking away.

Silas shrugged, "Good guy. So Diane, you entering the contest as well? The Jetpack looks great, does it work?"

Arthur smiled, "I could provide that, forged this sword myself, a blacksmith myself and rather knowledgeable about the Undying Knight, such as the fact that his family fled Kalos to keep away from the Yveltan Inquisition for fear of facing the stake because of Arthur's curse and how poorly understood it was at the time. Or about the numerous times Arthur died and how his fight against the Clockwork Cathedral was especially notable due to the rather climactic explosion as he and his mercenary associate Solaire leaped out."

This was too easy, "So? Care to commission some works?"

Shun's table, Asimov Party

Tommy: Ivan Losken. He's often followed by his solrock and lunatone, who are arachnophobic. Kind of a bummer since my Pokémon are mostly arachnids. Every time they freak out at the sight of my spinarak, they give away our position during stakeouts. He should have one of these thingies dangling down as well.

Tommy points to his ID card, which had the words "PRESS" in big, bold letters.

Shutter: I know I'm not the one to do small talk but is this the meeting of the 1930s fan club? And me without my fedora.

Shutter walks in with a plate full of food.

Shutter: Tommy, you should check out their buffets. And their chocolate fountains are to die for. It's my favorite blend from grandpa's old company. The good stuff. And Detective Shun! A pleasure to once again meet. So glad you're doing okay.

Shutter is dressed uncannily like a certain vigilante hero, last seen helping civilians escape and attempting to hit Whiptail.

Shutter: Nice Hercule Poirot costume, by the way. I'm a big fan of Murder on the Orient Express myself, as well as The ABC Murders.

Tommy puts on an awkward face.

Tommy: You're not Detective Thompson? Well, now I feel foolish. Did I just say that out loud?

Arthur's Side, Asimov Party

Professor Hawthorn: That would be lovely, Mr.—

Sir Guiscard: <Arthur, Old Friend! You're Alive! I knew Arceus would never let a hero of your unrelenting caliber leave the mortal coil!>

Professor Hawthorn: I'm really sorry, sir, Guiscard is very excitable and may have thought that you were—

Sir Guiscard: <Insolent boy! Show respect to the Undying Knight before you!>

Edited by MasterJayAM on Apr 25th 2024 at 5:09:42 PM

-Ivan is here, wearing some familiar red-and-yellow clothes. He's just sorta. Standing next to Tommy.-

Ivan, squinting at Tommy's costume: "I don't get it."

-Rose helps to take some of the food and stuff off of Nana's hands, particularly the chocolate cake.-

Rose: Thanks, dude.

-She takes her drink, and downs about half of it.-

Rose: So, what've you been up to? Haven't seen you since... fuck, how many months?

---

-Diane grins and waves as David leaves.-

Diane: Technically the jetpack is operational, but right now it's depowered since we didn't have time to get both this and Skye's tested properly, what with the short notice for the party. So unfortunately, I'm not entering the contest myself. If either one of these costumes will win, though, it'll be hers anyway.

Asimov Party

Tommy: You really haven't been listening to me have you? We had this talk in the ship. Multiple times.

Shutter: Good Arceus, not again.

Tommy: Oh crap. I'm having one of those Gavin moments, am I?

Shutter: Gavin moments? Hey--

Tommy: Oh, detective, meet my partner and assistant, Ivan Losken. Ivan, Detective Shun Hontou of Interpol.

Shutter: My assistant's assistant.

Asimov Party

-Pent seems to be somewhere else at the moment, but his mons are definitely around-

-Somewhere near the punch bowl, Φ is sitting in a huff as her illusion fizzles out-

Shift: -Who meanwhile has had no problems being Goro Akechi- I'm sorry, but you really should of paid attention to the notice. I'll bring you back something to eat.

-Elsewhere, a giant Mimikyu is silently gliding through the halls, perched on it are three much smaller pokemon; A Snivy wearing a brown fedora and holding a slightly gun-shaped chunk of wood and a piece of paper with some kind of drawing on it, a shiny Braixen whose costume consists purely of a tiny broom and a witch hat and... Some pokemon that's currently lost in a metal helmet and sun-patterned tabbard that's a little too big for them-

Edited by Pentigan on Oct 26th 2018 at 9:33:15 PM

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

"Dunno." She chomps on a bread bun she brought with her from the food tables. "Umm.... Nothin' much, except I caught a real sweet Nidorino everyone keeps callin' a 'glitch'."

Trope-tan is here! ➯ my pronouns are ze/hir

Silas has a small smirk, "We got Jetpacks over at the Factories, all tested and everything, useful for maneuvers out in space, we could easily combine our talents together if you want."

He shrugs, "Up to you, still, can't wait to see the costumes on stage."

Arthur sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Always did hate that title, ever since I first learned of it... I'm not a knight, was never knighted, but no Knights seem romantic..."

Arthur took a deep breath, "He is in fact correct, I am Arthur Grant, the Undying "Knight" himself. And who are you? You act as if you know me but I don't recall you."

Arthur shrugged, "Wasn't even Arceus that brought me back, I entered the spirit games and won a grand challenge to earn my right to exist, I'm only in flesh and blood thanks to clever trickery and mystics," he said pulling at the scarf under his shirt dispelling his human form revealing a Honedge, only to put it back on right away.

"Also did one of you say Guiscard... I know that name from somewhere..."

Asimov Island

-Shun, still a little bit overwhelmed by everything that's been put in front of him, simply nods at Tommy, Shutter and Ivan as a means of accepting both their combined advice and the info on the USB stick.-

Shun: I... I see. In that case, we'll make sure to be cautious when deploying arthropodic mons when we next come up against him.

-He does smile at Shutter's description of him, however.-

Shun: Why thank you! It's good to see you again, and even better to know that at last someone recognises the genius of the great Poirot~

-His smile quickly fades.-

Shun: ...In all seriousness, if you have any further information, then you know how to contact me. Detective Hontou, International Police, you know the drill.

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.

Asimov Party, wherever Tommy and Crew Are

Shutter: Think of it this way, Ivan. Just call Tommy an old timey detective and we can call it a day.

Asimov Party, wherever Pent is

A man dressed as [Mumen Rider] and his wife, a woman who resembles Nurse Joy but wearing a [Saitama] costume are looking around for potential J-Teamers and members of PEFE.

Jean: Where again did we mention to meet the others.

Jocelyn: At the buffet tables near the chocolate fountain. Remember dear, we're watching. Let's stick to lean meats and salads and not overdo the chocolate fountain. Doctor's orders.

Jean: Yes, Chérie.

Jocelyn: Who are we looking for again.

Jean: Someone to give this. A PEFE or J-Team member who can take the necessary precautions against yet another renegade team who seem to have a time travel sci-fi gimmick. Styles themselves as cops.

Jocelyn: And you think they might pose a threat to PEFE?

Jean: Only if they're caught with their pants down. I've heard of similar villainous teams with that technology, and even if they're not as powerful as Mobius, they could still pose a dangerous disruption to the PEFE's efforts.

Jocelyn: And here I thought we were on vacation.

Jean: What did we say about saving lives?

Jocelyn: It never rests. I hate it when you use my sage wisdom against me.

Jean: And yet you love it.

Jocelyn: Here's hoping all we do is give away a USB and make a short explanation. Even we need a break sometimes.

Jean: But of course, chérie.

Asimov Island

-Ever watches Liam leave, a worried expression briefly crossing their face, but then returns their attention to Lucius-

Ever: Hm. Consider the possibility that tonight may be that opportunity to present yourself as a changed man to those around you— whom you may find are not so much your enemies as you imagine, now that the initial embarrassment has passed.

OR—

-they finish their drink in one shot-

—should such an option be unamenable to you, you're welcome to make conversation with me as long as you like. I've no other plans tonight.

Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.

Wherever Arthur is, Asimov Party Island

Professor Hawthorn: See, my ancestor was named Sir Guiscard—

Sir Guiscard: <Sieur Guiscard de Aubépine. Knight of the Kingdom of Kalos. In my days as a squire and shortly after my knighthood, you helped save my people from the Skeleton Lord's abominations. I took up arms along with many of my fellows and joined the ranks of those who fought under your banner. You humble yourself too much, Arthur, but you are to me and my fellows the greatest among our number. We didn't need the King or those buffoonish lords to confer to you the knighthood you deserved.>

Professor Hawthorn: Say, Mr. Albright, are you following any of this?

Reynard: Meh, half and half. So, basically your medieval great-something grandpa came back from the Afterlife as a honedge and the other guy, also a honedge, is his old war buddy from the olden days. Kinda like my gengar, who used to be my caterpie from the 40s.

Sir Guiscard: <The Dork Knight speaks the truth, my child.>

-Rose sputters a bit, but manages to do a decent job of pretending she didn't.-

Rose: A glitch? I'm... actually, no, I'm not surprised at all. What's this Nido... like?

---

-Diane smirks-

Diane: Now, see, I definitely couldn't have gotten the jetpack from you guys for a contest you guys are hosting. But, I'll definitely keep it in mind.

-She bounces on her heels a bit-

Diane: Aaaaaaa I can't wait to see Skye's entrance~ About how long 'til this contest gets going?

"About a hour and a half, let the party quiet down a bit, generally just enjoy the music and all before we move onto the party and such," Silas explains, he takes a deep breath, "I'm gonna go step out for a bit, collect myself, too many people, need to recharge."

Silas waves off to Diane and then slouches as he marches out a nearby door.

"War buddy? I recall the faces of my companions in that time of hell we know as the "Plagued Days of the Curse" but I can bare-"

Then it hit Arthur, "Arceus... that one knight defending a smaller settlement from the Skeleton Lords freakish abominations. I recall a Guiscard soon running for his life as Solaire and I marched in backed by the Cathedral's Tin Soldiers as part of a deal."

He smirked a bit and then looked over to the others, "He was a good soldier and all no doubt, but in over his head, tell me, how many tales has he told of him as some grand savior and one of my personal friends?"

Mobius Raid - Lumiose

Vi tilts her head at the now-forming construct. "And what might this be?"

She settles into a fighting stance.

Asimov Island - Halloween Party

People are here.

Specifically:

Luciana is dressed as Dynasty Warriors' Zhuge Liang, though still with her red hair. Hraesvelgr floats beside her, dressed (well, digitally) as a PEFEgon. They're currently looking for one of the, like, three people they would actually know here.

Artoria and Mordred are dressed as Eirika and Ephraim, respectively, and are, as one might expect, hanging around the general area of the food.

Vi and Siobhan, who, unfortunately, did not seem to acquire an airship, are dressed as Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Morag and Brighid, respectively. They're currently wandering the party.

Brynhilde is dressed up as nothing in particular, simply wearing an exquisite ballgown. They're sitting at the bar, drinking wine.

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

Diane: Aight, cool, see ya.

-She waves as Silas takes his leave.-

---

-You know what's a really obvious costume choice for Scarlette? Yang Xiao Long.-

-She's around, in said costume. No wig or anything, just the outfit.-

Asimov Island

Luciana notices Scarlette.

Luciana: "Oh thank Arceus someone I recognize."

Beat.

"Right, uh, hi."

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

-Scarlette turns at the sound of Luciana's voice, and grins.-

Scarlette: Hey there. You look cute.

Asimov Island

Luciana goes... not quite as red as her hair, but close. "Thanks. You too."

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

Asimov Party, present

-Ah, there Pent is. He's (yes) hanging out at the food table carrying some kind of briefcase and conversing quietly with what appears to be noone in particular-

Mobius Raid, past

What..?

-He looks at the duplicate and sighs-

Egh, this is gonna suck isn't it?

-He tries to find some cover as he lets out the borrowed pokemon-

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Mobius Base, Kalos

Nino: -gapes- W-What's that?

Legault: -spins around and sees the parody of himself approaching- And you are...?

Juge: <Uh, they got your hair wrong. It looks greasy.> -fells the Victreebel from before-

Legault: -drawing his Killing Edge with some relish- I'll say... I might kill you for that reason alone.

There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.

Scarlette: Heh. You doing the whole contest thing? Mason was like, super serious-business about coming up with a costume for it, saying something about having to "outdo Kai" or whatever.

Mobius Base

-More snipes from the shadows. More Sombra crashing and burning-

N's Castle, Past

-The mooks go down, as do the lights-

-Tom Phan glares-

Tom Phan: <No you don't!>

-Launches a massive Hyper Voice-

Contact Me!

Asimov Snack Table

A certain blue-robed, blonde-haired, red eyed cosplayer chuckles musically as she approaches Pent, spinning around the wand in her hand.

Pent might recognize her as Amaterasu, the Shiny Ninetales-turned-human-turned-cosplayer.

Asimov Table Del Rever

In Amaterasu’s absence another cosplayer took a seat, recognizable as a Sylveon-turned-human.

The Eeveelution turned human had replaced her cream-colored pants with a pair of white pants that were as baggy as her trainer’s. A black bustier-esque bra was worn over a pink shirt that was also rather form-fitting. Just like her trainer, a tail snaked out from behind her, only this one was a fair bit longer and was pink rather than purple.

She wore a wig of scraggly, off-white hair and she wore contacts with black sclera and red irises. Her face was painted pink, and she wore black high heels.

“So,” she asked her trainer. “why [Beerus]?”

“Cool design. Why [21]?”

“Cool design,” she echoed.

N’s Castle

Colton has to keep a death grip on his headphones, firing at Tom Phan through windblown gaze.

Sylveon and Kazuma also fire.

Mobius Base, Lumiose

“Could someone please explain to me what the hell is happening?!” Gail demanded as she punched the wall beside the hole she entered from.

Jamie, Sierra and Pandora all silently returned, leaving Gail to wonder why people were fighting stunt doubles.

Edited by AbsentCoder on Oct 26th 2018 at 6:04:48 AM

[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]

Wherever Arthur is, Asimov Island

Professor Hawthorn: Well, our archeology department corroborated a number of his stories, suggesting that gramps over here was a member of a shock cavalry division for the king in the later half of the 1420s and 1430s, but was only ever involved in large-scale pitched battles during the terminal end of the 1410s, around the height of Arthur's campaigns as light infantry, where he would've been anonymous. He liked to embellish the accounts, as all old people do.

Reynard: Hey.

Sir Guiscard: <If anything, I assured you that I and the Undying Knight is real.>

Professor Hawthorn: Well, yeah. Although it was vindicating for my family that we discovered that he was indeed not only real but present in some form in the background, we didn't even think the Romance of the Undying Knight was anything more than a cockamamie fairy story prior. Scholarly understanding has moved on since then, though I'd never expect to have met the real deal. But then again, I'd never think this ancestor was real, either.

Sir Guiscard: <You never believed me?>

Professor Hawthorn: <I'm a scientist. I don't believe unless I had a reason to, and I only believed half of what you said. And for the record, he never really spun any tales of being a close confidante, just that in many of the battles with you in it, he was there in the background. Most of his actual admittedly overblown but verifiable exploits were after the 1420s, long after he was inducted into the King's service. Except in his [LinkedIn] Profile. It says so right here: "fought valiantly by Sir Arthur's side like bros in many pivotal battles that saved all of Kalos".>

Professor Hawthorn holds up a [LinkedIn]] page. Why they let Pokémon have them is anybody's guess.

Sir Guiscard: <Everybody exaggerates on their [LinkedIn] profiles! I mean, I've seen you in the marriage market websites. "Studly scientist who's hung like a charizard" my arse!>

Beat.

Sir Guiscard: Well, since we're all confessing, I and several fellow knights who were veterans of the conflict in our abominations called on our memories fighting alongside you in the background as a rallying force in later conflicts, especially against foreign invaders.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Oct 26th 2018 at 8:56:42 PM