Oblivion Wing, Lounge - Pre-Raid

-Ciela throws one last glare back at Rogue before nodding at Jack.-

Ciela: I'm ready to go when you are.

Pewter Pokemon Center - Yesterday

Lucius: Fair enough.

-He gives a tired stretch before looking back at Halsei.-

Lucius: Well, we could try to get started on our gym challenge... or we could just go back to sleep. I like the sound of the second option, but it's your call.

Edited by Herbert40k on Mar 2nd 2019 at 12:08:58 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.

Halsei: <...Lucius, even though I sleep, like, all the time, even you have to admit we're gonna have to go through with it at some point. So... when're we going to?>

They seem intent on actually doing something.

Pewter Pokemon Center - Yesterday

Lucius: Alright, alright, fair enough. Might as well make a start today.

-He yawns, stands up, then pauses.-

Lucius: ...Actually, while I'd love to rush straight to the gym, throwing an untrained Buneary at a rock-type gym probably won't end well. Maybe we should get some training in first. My Porygon, EDI, isn't really a battler, so she should be on about your level. Sound good?

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.

They think about this a bit... then it dawns on them that, yes, this is a bad idea.

Halsei: <Oh, uh... y-yeah, that would be a good idea, to train. Otherwise, it'd be like throwing a Weedle at a Legendary or something... dunno what I was thinking. Guess I just wanna do stuff instead of going back to... whatever that dream was, if I can even call it one.>

They start to head out, beckoning Lucius to follow.

Oblivion Wing

-"Maria Rakdos" nodded and stowed her backpack carefully off to the side before picking up the violin case-

I have retrieved my gear from the workshop and I'm ready to go. See you all after we get inside I suppose.

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Pewter Pokemon Center - Yesterday

Lucius: Great! Let's get started.

-He follows Halsei out into the city and starts looking for a good training spot.-

Pewter City - Today

-Having found a good training spot beneath a couple of trees, Lucius has spent the last couple of days running through basic battle mechanics with Halsei and EDI, occasionally pausing to spray them both with a couple of Potions and take a break in the shade.-

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.

Halsei seems to be undoubtedly a bit stronger than before, but... not by much. There's only so much battling a similarly low-level Porygon over and over can do for you, after all. They get distracted by something in the distance and start thinking out loud.

Halsei: <This sure is, uh... taking a while. I feel like a lot of other 'Mons would've evolved, or gotten some really powerful and useful attack, or, like... something. I just sorta feel more competent than before, honestly.>

In spite of their complaining, they have demonstrated at least a few new moves by now, though their usage of them at the moment is questionable at best.

"You've got the experience with this Rogue, you're the obvious pick. As for maps, check your helmet's AR, it comes with a minimap system, we have a layout of the manor for the auction, as well as security rooms and so on," Jack explained tapping his head as if he still had his mask on.

Roxy gave a thumbs up and pulled her mask on, Jack nodded at everyone and pulled on a set of gloves, "Alright folks. Let's enjoy the party."

Getting in wasn't too hard, Jack had made sure everyone's names were on the list, and in they went. The Rafter team got in through a upper window, Fox perched on a literal rafter, overlooking the party.

"Fox here, Rafter team is go."

Jack nodded and looked about, the auction hadn't officially begun yet, currently everyone was about and socializing.

A band of individuals in white trimmed coats walked by, discussing some... "experiment."

The Rafter team would have a map with areas in red showing locked locations. there were 5, the kitchen, two storage rooms, a security room, and the backstage for the auction itself.

Another figure stepped in, and stretched, "Good to be back in high society, ey Trevor?"

<Yes, Sir Helstrand.>

Edited by EchoingSilence on Mar 2nd 2019 at 7:29:11 AM

Pewter City

-EDI pauses as she sees Halsei become distracted.-

EDI: <My apologies. My systems are not optimised for a real battle. Perhaps we should switch to a more theoretical discussion about how to improve the effectiveness of your techniques?>

-Lucius notices the lull in battle, and stands up.-

Lucius: Sorry, kid, it doesn't really work like that. You're not gonna see any big, dramatic changes after just a day of battling in a controlled environment. If you were fighting for your life, maybe, but I think the risks outweigh the rewards there. Still, you're learning quick! Could probably kick my ass in mon form, assuming you found a way to kick it in the first place.

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.

They look at Lucius, eyes quickly flashing as they demonstrate Foresight again.

Halsei: <Well, then, I guess I'd just win, then... not that I would fight you, of course. That'd just be mean. Uh, anyway, it's just the first gym, right? Shouldn't nearly be that difficult, even with a slight disadvantage... or two... or, erm, a lot....>

They get slightly discouraged, but try to at least appear optimistic about their odds.

-Rogue spends a moment reviewing the map and running through their strategy out loud..-

Rogue: All right, game plan time. Disabling security would be the obvious first objective. Then we could explore the other areas, not necessarily in any particular order. In terms of areas of interest, the kitchen is the last place anyone would hide info one does not want in the wrong hands, assuming "kitchen" isn't some sort of lab codename. That's not to say it isn't, just that we shouldn't go there expecting a breakthrough. The storage rooms are just about par for the course for likeliness to hold something useful, they're storage rooms. The most interesting place I might want to check out, however, is the backstage. It might be a good idea to stick someone there to just... watch and eavesdrop, without taking further action, just to see how legitimate their front is.

-They look at Fox.-

Rogue: Thoughts, Ms. Second Opinion? Plans are by no means final.

Ersatz Alliance

Milagros: Look, I'll tell you more AFTER I buy your armbands, okay?

Rourke and Caddicarus nodded, and Milagros went off to, as he said, pay for their Human to Pokemon armbands.

i think i’m in love (probably just hungry)

St. Audwich Manor, Auction - Past

-Ciela glides into the hall after Jack, looking around in wonderment at the lavish decor and speaking loudly enough to be easily overheard.-

Ciela: Oh, there's just so much to choose from! I'm so glad we got here early, gives me time to do a bit of window shopping~ Which of all these pieces do you think would most catch Father's eye, Jack?

---

-Elsewhere in the hall, possibly near to Master Helstrand, a young-looking, well-groomed man with dark hair and a smart suit is chatting to one of the female guests.-

Edouard: ...and then I said, "Your Honour, the only thing criminal about this case is the plaintiff's tie!"

-His companion giggles, seemingly more entertained by the man's manner rather than his attempts at humour.-

Pewter City

-Lucius chuckles a little in response to Halsei.-

Lucius: Ah, forgot you can do that. But yeah, like you said, it's the first gym. As long as you can jump and kick at the same time, or even just hinder your opponent somehow, then the rest of the team should be able to pick up any slack. Come to think of it, I should really get you guys to train together at some point... but for now, I think you're ready. You up for it?

Edited by Herbert40k on Mar 2nd 2019 at 8:14:02 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.

St. Audwich Manor, Auction - Past

-Artyom follows Ciela and Jack in, remaining stoically impassive.-

---

-Elsewhere, two familiar faces inspect artwork.-

Luca: "I dunno, Bennie, I'm not feelin this."

Benedetta: "Well we have to funnel funds somewhere. The bank only has so much space for us."

"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"

Halsei: <Well, I do think I have a few tricks, but only one way to find out... I'm ready when you are.>

They return to Lucius's side, following him once more.

St. Aldrich Hotel, Heist Day

A flamboyantly dressed woman roamed the halls of the auction hall's antechambers browsing the selections for anything worth purchasing and turning a few heads along the way. She claims to be international model, socialite, and art collector Therese Wang.

"Adam" the ordinary porygon: Remember, "Therese," our main goal is to get them to talk. We're not here for dude-spottin'; heck, you wouldn't be able to call them anyway. Though I cross-referenced and that dude's story checks out. Rich, good taste in art, does charity work, and boy howdy you'd love his Imperapic.

"Therese": Ugh, I know. Sacrifices must be made. Should we at least get his number.

"Adam:" See, this is why you should've gone as someone frumpy looking and middle-aged looking for someone to hook their gorgeous niece up with someone.

"Therese": And lose the chance to rock this outfit? No way. But we're sure he's not a poacher.

"Adam": Yep. And he's the kind of dude you bring home—to mom and dad.

"Therese": Now, who else looks suspicious. How about that guy? He seems shady.

"Adam": Protip, boss, body language is usually the marker for anyone who's shady and suspicious. Not... well...

A strange man approaches Therese.

Stranger: T'es de bonne heure sul' piton.

Lowell Macraul's Chateau, bedtime

A groggy Lowell approaches his bedroom, where Helena seems to be waiting.

Lowell: Marius, Guinevere, do the night protocol.

Marius and Guinevere: Yes sir.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Mar 4th 2019 at 9:40:27 PM

Fox gave the thumbs up, "That makes sense. We'll hit security first and then place someone backstage. If this auction holds hunters and pokefutures members, anything it's selling could be related to them so we have to be suspicious."

Down below Jack turned to Ciela, "Well Miss Messano, I heard that it won't just be art at this auction."

One of the members of the white coats stopped, and turned around, marching over to the discussion.

"Still we should keep a eye out, maybe we'll find a new engineer for the rnd division as well. Doesn't hurt to be on the cu-"

"Excuse me you two!" The white coat interrupted, the man was about 5'9", tan, and had thick black hair and a set of dull gray eyes behind a set of thick black trim glasses, "Dr. Richard Reese at your service, I understand you are looking for something?"

Jack shook his head, "Well, I'm just here to gauge pricing and all, Miss Messano here is the one on the lookout."

Reese turned to Ceila and smiled, "Ah, a pleasure madame, are you looking for anything?"

Fox spoke into their ear buds, "Nice job, don't know why these types are always suckers for flattery but hey works for us."

---

Victor took a sip of wine, only to notice Eduardo, "No... no it can't be... How in the hell..."

He set the drink down and marched over, putting on a pleasant face and running his hair out of his face, he stepped before stopping before the small entourage. He shooed them away and then turned to Eduardo.

"It can't be you... can it, Livius?"

The St. Aldrich Manor

In the auction house, an enby that would be familiar to at least some of the party is standing in a white and blue dress.

They're currently discussing some particularly esoteric - and boring, if their conversation partner's expression is anything to go by - aspect of their work.

Their conversation partner is a woman in a tuxedo and blue gloves and green hair.

Brynhilde: "Thus, I do believe that Atlantis has a root in some Alakgross ruins - possibly in the [Mediterranean], possibly in the [Atlantic]."

Clarisse: "How absolutely fascinating, madam."

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

Aldrich Manor - Rafters

"Counterpoint," Amaterasu "Lamb" started, speaking into her helmet's intercom. "Because the kitchen is the last place we'd look, wouldn't they hide something there? Wouldn't hurt to have someone give it a glance, probably," she considered.

[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]

-Ivan sits up with a jolt. Clown nightmare clown nightmare clown nightmare. He checks the buzzing phone in his pocket... A text from Icarus, his brother. It's just a picture of a Litten with some bread on its head.-

Ivan: "Why did he send me th... heh. It's wearing boots."

Apollo: ~Aren't you forgetting something? You should go talk to Jonathan if you're ready.~

   The Last Laugh   : "Patrols. Let's be silent, shall we?"

-He looks over to the Mr. Mime. The mime nods.-

-The duo slowly but surely make their way... to the edge of the property.-

   The Last Laugh   : "Okay, let's have a look-see..."

-He takes out his binoculars.-

-They would probably help were he not staring at a bush. He takes out a few pokèballs, and dyed Drifloon emerge, one red, one blue, and one yellow..-

   The Last Laugh   : "Some aerial surveillance, if you would?"

Terry, Jerry, Barry: <Aye!>

-The trio float up, a bit away from each other, in order to get a good look at the estate.-

Edited by redneckphoenix on Mar 2nd 2019 at 4:33:36 AM

"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every

"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every

St. Aldrich

"Therese": Excusez-moi, monsieur?

Therese immediately recognizes the stranger—or, in this case, a figure from her past. The [Quebecois] accent, the ridiculously generic features, auburn hair, off-the-rack suit, and an attitude that didn't suit his appearance.

Jonathan: I rarely see you gussied up and dressed up, but I can recognize your mannerisms from a long shot.

"Therese": Want a world's greatest detective award with that?

Walter: <Hey, Murphy.>

Murphy: <'Sup Walter.>

Jonathan: Yes.

"Therese:" You've lived here for years and you still speak Kalosian with that accent.

Jonathan: Hey, I take pride in my people's dialect. And nobody here speaks a word of [Wendat] anyway. What brings you here?

What follows is a brief awkward moment of silence that happens when you meet your ex.

Jonathan: You seeing anyone?

"Therese": Let me put this as politely as I can, Jonathan. Take off, ya hoser!

Jonathan: Ouch.

A tall and striking young man in an impeccably immaculate white tux approaches them.

Thierry, in Kalosian: Excuse me, Ms. Wang, is this man bothering you?

"Therese": No, Thierry, not at all. He is a journalist and was asking me for an interview.

"Therese" points to Jonathan's press tag, which dangles near his tie. Jonathan responds with a ridiculously goofy facial expression that seems to make Thierry feel odd and Therese incredibly uncomfortable.

Thierry and Jonathan: Forgive me for interrupting, then.

Thierry: I was unaware that you and the [Canadian] man had a conversation. I misinterpreted— pardon me for intruding.

"Therese": Oh, you misunderstood. I have yet to agree on a time to hold the interview. You interrupted nothing.

Jonathan now has an angry jealous face on him.

Jonathan, in Kalosian: We can continue with the interview later today, madame. We have much to discuss. <Switches to really bad [Cantonese] that's basically trying to say> Seriously, there's some funny business afoot here and you're the only one I can trust.

"Therese", in Kalosian: Yes, we can continue later. <In [Cantonese]> And please move on.>

Jonathan moves toward the part of the auction room where Ivan is.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Mar 2nd 2019 at 8:28:32 PM