Outside Vermillion

Artoria: "I'd hazard a guess it's just general April Fool's Day shenanigans."

"I take it you're associated with the J-team, then?"

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

Euryalsei: <Yes... I'm Euryalsei— erm, I mean, Halsei. I'm not sure why that came out.>

Asterios: "Halsei..."

He seems a bit happy to say their name.

Euryalsei: <As you might already know, that's Asterios.>

Outside Vermillion

Artoria: "Artoria."

Mordred: "Mordred."

Caster: "Caster."

Sakura Saber looks around. "Okita!"

Artoria: "... Why didn't you just introduce yourself like that earlier?" -to Halsei- "Nice to meet you."

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

Euryalsei: <It's nice to meet you all, then. Though, I will admit, the circumstance under which we met was... odd, even by today's standards, it's been an enjoyable experience.>

Asterios: "Very... fun..."

Euryalsei: <All of this being said, though, I'm gonna miss being able to use this bow once it's over... almost feels like a part of me will be going away, really. The thought of that's always worrying, but it's unavoidable.>

Outside Vermillion

Artoria: "It was certainly odd, yes. Well, we should find our way home. Farewell."

Mordred: "See ya around."

Caster: "I do hope I don't get involved in the next bout of weirdness..."

Okita waves, and, absent any other particular comment, the four walk off.

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

Euryalsei: <I suppose you'll be heading off as well, Asterios?>

Asterios: "...Yes. Sorry..."

They go over and start hugging him.

Euryalsei: <It's fine, just... promise me you'll stay safe. I wouldn't be able to bear the thought of you being hurt any more than need be.>

He gently lifts them up and pats them on the head.

Asterios: "I... promise..."

He then puts them down, turning around and slowly lumbering off, looking back one last time. They exchange a smile and a wave before going their respective ways. A short while later, midnight comes to pass, and the bow evaporates, though not before they hear one mysterious message.

???: "I'll repay you, next year..."

Midnight passed quite a few hours ago, and the thoughts of earlier events linger in their mind. The mysterious people they met, being able to summon a bow from thin air, mowing down armies of Nobus, it was all very exciting. They hope to see all those people again at some point, and to be able to go through everything once more... for now, though, they only dream of this much.

April 1st 11PM, Entralink

-The four wayward souls reappear here in the state they left their respective April Fool's Day interactions-

-At the moment, all that is confirmed is that Haliskander's suit is slashed across the stomach, leaking green light and slowly scabbing over with stone and that Ashur has her hood down at least one of her Myr summoned-

-Now the thing is, The White isn't here this time and as the four appear they slowly realize that whatever time they may have had today has run out. Daev checks the cheap watch on his wrist and pales-

Daev Jons: Eleven at night. We have an hour before the day ends...

-Tibalt sighs and looks around at the other three and then at the lack of The White-

Tibalt: Hey uh... Short girl, can we talk real quick?

-He walks towards the edge of the island, expecting Ashur to follow (which she does). While Tibalt and Ashur have wandered off to have their talk, Daev and Apophis carefully make their way over to Haliskander to assess the weird situation of the pained spaceman-

11PM Entralink, Planestalkers

-Tibalt sits on the edge of the island and looks out over the waters. He was feeling... Dejected. This world was modern, it felt safe and progressive but it wasn't home. If he succeeded, he would have been locked here never to return... He rummaged in his pockets and got out an old battered box of red and purple printed cardstock emblazoned with the sigil of a dragon-

Ashur: Deckbox?

-Tibalt knew that Ashur was behind him but the word still kinda surprised him-

Tibalt: Yeah, uh...

-Ashur set down her sack of Myr heads and after a moment of concentration the bag deflated as the metal skulls had vanished, seemingly into a small scrap metal box about the same size as Tibalt's-

Ashur: You must be powerful to have a full deck of summons.

Tibalt: N-nah, mine aren't able to... I've got other cards that summon things but there's only three of those. My deck is inert. If you can summon Myr from your deck why do you have..?

-He vaguely gestured at the now-empty bag-

Ashur: I need a burden, to remember what I am fighting for.

Tibalt: "I carry the fallen of my world, for the hope that one day I can bring them home." I getcha, the call of home drives me too... God I wish I could do what you can...

Ashur: ... I would stay forever on Mirrodin pure if it was free of the oil that plagues it.

Tibalt: I want to Walk, to see wonders on every plane if I could. But I still yearn for home and this place isn't it...

-He pops the lid of his cardstock box and starts rummaging through his cards. Eventually he holds up a card-

Tibalt: "The chasm of years and worlds collapsed under the power of their embrace." I want to get home and just... Give my mum such a hug to let her know that I didn't die when I vanished from my room, I merely went somewhere to become stronger and now I could walk the worlds but always have a road home... But I'm not like you; even if there wasn't this... Game where we're gonna die at midnight, I wouldn't be able to Planeswalk because I never got to make my wish...

-He's on the verge of tears, staring into the still waters around the Entralink-

-Maybe when we began it would of been difficult to see that the confident young adult with the aluminium crown and golden sword would need to be consoled by the shorter and slightly younger girl who could barely string together a sentence. But at least on Tibalt's end, soul-crushing self-introspection isn't unheard of-

The White: If it makes you feel any better, your family is entirely off-screen so their reactions if any are entirely mutable.

-Tibalt and Ashur go still and pale at the return of The White to their midst-

The White: Now get up, gonna recap your efforts today.

Edited by Pentigan on Apr 2nd 2019 at 8:30:20 PM

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Stormchaser

Roy staggered a blink before he sighed and raised a talon to his head.

<Different set of rules, I see,> he sighed.

[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]

Litleo: <Huh, that explains it. I got turned into a Litleo today so... I dunno if that's permanent or not.>

Whiz: <At any rate, what are your names?>

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

11PM Entralink, Pact Bearers

Daev Jons: Hey, are you alright? You're uh... Bleeding?

-The Phantom Cosmonaut makes a sound like cracking stone trying to laugh-

Haliskander: I have. Fallen from stars. One cut. Is nothing. Why concern. Twisted thing. Myself.

Daev Jons: Because you're... You're a person ain'tcha? I gotta help people where I can.

Haliskander: I have not. Be human. For months. Before fifty. Years slipped my. Fingers.

Daev Jons: I can get a bandage? Or... More rocks to cover it?

-Briefly a massive band of purple scales could be seen encircling the Cosmonaut and Daev-

Apophis: Does it matter? For all we know we'll all cease to be once midnight falls.

Daev Jons: And what if we don't? If we all survive then he shouldn't then perish due to injuries I was too callous to assist with.

Haliskander: Jormungand? Ты путешествуешь с демоном, дитя

-Daev looks through his supplies and starts applying a thin linen bandage to the area radiating sickly green-

Apophis: Will that twisted thing ever think to appreciate it?

Daev Jons: I don't care, he's not harmed me so I won't through inaction.

The White: At least it will be a battle scar, for the only one who actually tried to save his own life.

-The Cosmonaut gets back to his feet as Daev Jons turns to the figure in the white robe, incensed-

Daev Jons: You never gave me a goal to save myself, you just told Apophis where to find her assassination target and promised her she'd be rid of me! Why am I the only one not worth a chance of saving?

The White: You're unimportant. Now stand up straight, we're about to review your performances today.

11:15PM Entralink, The Review

-The four wayward souls have taken up positions at the four corners once more, facing the tree and the figure in white-

The White: When I brought you to this world, I gave you all a single mission.

Daev Jons: Not me, asshole!

The White: And you all failed. Commendations go out to Mr Jordovich for actually fighting his target but the rest of you... I'm disappointed. Don't you all want to live?

Ashur: Your compass led me only to people not named Susan...

-The White turns, looking at each Guest Star-

The White: You all failed because you couldn't grasp the one thing you each needed. Tibalt! You failed because you couldn't be a Hero and slay the darkness without falling to it. Ashur! You were supposed to ask, to be a superior social butterfly to your quarry. Haliskander! A valiant effort but I guess she fought better than you. Apophis! You simply were outsmarted and outplayed by the flexibility and hunting instincts of miss Thane.

-The White stops and emotes thinking-

The White: However, I could save you all. At cost I might add, impossible costs. But I could shall we say retcon you four in, make you into four characters who have only ever hinted their own existence.

-He pulls four balls of light from the ground and forms them; a Red Heart Earring, a Yellow Diamond Signet Ring, a Blue Club Pauldron and a Green Spade Wolf-Faced Mask...-

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Lumiose City, April Fool's Day

Maximum Gulf: Oh no.

Arachnagirl: Jump ya git!

Maximum Gulf manages to jump, which only served to reduce the severity of the impact. After recovering from the subsequent fall, Maximum Gulf fires a barrage of laser-things at The Last Laugh. Transforma turns into a large WWII-era fixed gun and starts firing rubble at the monstrous spirit thing.

Arachna-Guy 2.0: I don't think that this is supposed to work.

Arachna-Guy 1.0: Attagirl! Keep hitting it!

Thomas: If it's any consolation, ninja hero fellows, you're dealing with a supernatural entity. While whacking at it won't really harm it, it will distract him from harming the populace and spreading the damage.

Arachna-Guy 1.0: See, what did I tell you.

Thomas: I like the way you think.

Arachna-Guy 1.0: Number 2, turn on the cloaking device and try to see if you can cover all four of us and our pokémon.

Arachna-Guy 2.0 complied. While cloaked, Arachna-Guy 1.0 revealed himself to his dieselpunk counterpart.

Tommy: We are a lot more alike than you would know.

Thomas: Whoa. I do always say that I'd make an excellent circus trapeze artist.

Tommy: Thanks. Gotta say that I'm a fan of the vintage action hero look myself. Don't quit your day job.

Thomas: Wouldn't dream of it. Now let's go continue distracting this fellow.

Arachnagirl: Oi, uncles. Can we get back to kicking demon spirit arse now?

Thomas: That spirited young woman is our niece? I like her already. Well, usually these cosmic beings can't be defeated by mortal means, but if my hunch is correct, we can try to wait it out until a much bigger cosmic entity decides to intervene.

Tommy: That sounds like a longshot.

Thomas: Cosmic beings are predictable that way. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Yveltal themselves decided to save us.

Tommy: That also sounds like an ass-pull, if you ask me.

Arachna-Guy 2.0, unmasked: I agree with him.

Thomas: Weird things happen in the first of April. Also, your colleague here kind of resembles my friend Gavin from the Geographer Weekly.

Riley: That sounds a lot like my father.

Thomas: Well met, then. Now keep hammer-tossing those bits of rubble at him.

Not Ersatz alliance

Silversmith and Armando both breathed a sigh at relief at their respective situations having ended.

Cortez, eyes still closed: <What happened? Did you make me a shake?>

Armando: <I already explain— I give up.>

Silver Bullet: <Hi guys, what'd I miss?>

Cortez, eyes closed: <I don't know!>

Armando: <Reshiram. Giant truth dragon. Nothing much.>

Silversmith: "You know what, I don't need apples that much anyways. Let's just skedaddle."

Cortez, eyes closed: <How long has it been since breakfast?>

Silversmith and company exited. However, they weren't in Kalos any more.

Castelia City

Silversmith: "What the... How did we end up here?"

Armando: <Didn't they mention something about time being messed up at Ersatz? Perhaps space isn't immune either.>

Silversmith called his father.

Silversmith: "So, uh, hi Dad... I don't really know how to explain this, but... I'm back home. ...You understand? ...It happened to you once? ...Damn, I hope this is the end of the shenanigans. You'll meet me back at home? ...Good. Bye."

Cortez, eyes closed: <Where are we? Is Ophidia still there?>

Armando: <*has an idea* Yes. She is definitely still here. Absolutely.>

Cortez, eyes closed: <I bet she's gone! I'm gonna open my eyes!>

Armando: <No. You should definitely not do that.>

Cortez opened his eyes, only to find Shadow and company present.

Cortez: <Dang it!>

Silversmith, smirking: "Hey Cortez? Guess you gotta... face your fears! *laughs*"

Cortez: <Ha ha. Say, are you guys hungry?>

Silversmith: "Actually, yes."

Armando: <Always.>

Silver Bullet: <We could do the sewer arrangement again. Will you actually meet me this time?>

Silversmith: "Yes. Shadow, are you guys hungry?"

Castelia City

Shadow nodded.

Shadow: You know what, yeah. Let's get some food.

Mischief: <Yay!>

Ophidia shrugs, completely ignoring Cortez at this point.

Ophidia: <Eh. Why not. I'm getting peckish.>

Maverick: <As am I, miss Ophidia.>

Ophidia: -startled- <I forgot you were here! Hmph.>

Shadow: My Pokemon agree. Any place in mind, Silversmith?

Heheheh

Castelia

Silversmith: "I know just the place."

Café Sonata

The musicians melody made Silversmith sigh.

Silversmith: "Hear that? That is the sound of real beauty." *glares at shields pokeball*

Armando: <I'm just gonna float in the corner. You mortals can enjoy your mortal dishes.>

His party sat and ordered food.

Cafe Sonata

Shadow's group orders. Mischief goes on for a while with hers, while Ophidia decides to splurge on a somewhat-larger-than-normal meal.

Ophidia: <A quaint but pleasant little place. This should be quite enjoyable.>

Mischief: <... And for dessert I'll have a Pecha Berry pie!>

Shadow: Finally done, Mischief? Is that it, everyone? Yes? Good. I want to eat today.

Maverick: -staring at Ophidia, still Infatuated-

Mischief: <... Hey, Ophidia! I bet you can't out-eat me!>

Ophidia: <You foolish little pup! I'm a serpentine species, which gives me the advantage by default!>

Shadow: Careful Ophidia. You haven't seen Mischief eat.

Mischief: <How about an eating contest?>

Ophidia: <You're on!>

Shadow: ... Why'd I even bother warning you?

Heheheh

Cafe Sonata

Armando: <...Of course. An eating contest. Have you no sympathy?>

Armando floated out of the Cafe.

Cortez: <Wait! It's gonna be funny! I bet Mischief's gonna win!>

Silversmith: "So, Shadow. How do you see through illusions to the core of a person? I mean, you live with Mischief, I'm sure you've picked up a trick or two. *sips on lemonade*"

Cortez noticed the infatuated Maverick, and looked at Ophidia with disdain.

Cortez, one eye closed: <How can you keep controlling him and not feel guilty?>

Cafe Sonata

Shadow: I just got used to how appearances can be deceptive. -drinks Moomoo Milk-

Ophidia: -to Cortez- <Not exactly trying to control him. I forgot how long Infatuation can last.> -takes a bite and clumsily tears the bite from the rest- <Mmmmmm!> -swallows- <Oh wow that's delicious!> -pops the rest of the piece into her mouth and swallows-

Mischief: -with her mouth full- <I know right?>

Ophidia and Mischief busily eat, each trying to outdo the other.

Heheheh

Sonata Café

Silversmith: "Yet again, man is made good by experience. Experience I lack. ...Speaking of, recall the Necrozma fight? I was there too. You probably didn't notice, seeing as I was completely worthless in battle. I think I need to train up my team more. Not for the glory, mind you, but to be able to actually do good when it needs doing. How would you go about training a team?"

Cortez wanted to continue arguing the point, but he too succumbed to the food in front of him.

Cortez: <Ok, the score is Mischief at three plates and Ophidia at... four?! Mischief, you gotta pick up the pace! We haven't even had the pie yet!>

Cafe Sonata

Shadow: Hmmm... I'd suggest plenty of battling.

Mischief: -with her mouth full- <I'm trying, but she's swallowing her food WHOLE! Not even I can do that!>

Ophidia: -blushing with embarrassment- <Your horrid table manners frustrate me to no end! At least avoid speaking with your mouth full!>

Mischief: <All's fair in love and war!>

Ophidia: <But this is neither!> (How much have I eaten?)

Heheheh

Café Sonata

Silversmith: "Hmm. Would you like to battle me after we finish? *Notices Ophidia*... maybe some other time. Didn't Ian mention something about a gym challenge in passing? Perhaps that would be a swift way to get some force behind my team. Say, sir, do you intend to do the gym challenge?"

Cortez: <He's got a point. This could be called a war, sorta. Mischief, would any powders help you win? I wonder if a little bit of spores could relax you enough to take down one more plate... Sorry Ophidia, but my spores wouldn't help you anyways.>

Cortez sounded awfully happy about not being able to help Ophidia. Silversmith received a call.

Silversmith: "Sorry, I should take this... *click* Hello? Yes, Dad, I'm kinda busy... Already? What? We just did! Twice! ...Ah... Sounds fun! *holds hand over phone* Are you a fan of the Alola region?"

Cafe Sonata

Shadow: Maybe after these two digest their meals.

Mischief groaned in response to Cortez.

Mischief: -pushes plate away- <Noooo... I've got a tummyache...>

Ophidia: <Looks like... I win...> -burps and holds her leafy hands over her mouth- <Oh, Arceus... Excuse me... I can't believe you talked me into this... I'm so full I don't think I can move...> -groans and holds her middle, tipping her head back as she turns even redder-

Shadow: I can't believe it. Someone out-ate Mischief. -to Silversmith- Hmm? Alola sounds nice, yeah.

Heheheh

Stormchaser

Zakuro: <Rules?>

-she slips into the van, though her voice is still audible-

<Who brought me here? And why?>

Do you highlight everything looking for secret messages?

Café Sonata

Cortez: <No! You can't lose, Mischief!>

Silversmith: "Cool. *Returns to phone* Alright, dad. I'll—"

Armando floated back in due to boredom. Upon seeing Ophidia in her sorry state, he burst into laughter. The ghostly cries echoed oddly throughout the room.

Silversmith: "SHHH! I can't hear the music! And I'm on the phone! *To phone* Yes, I'll see you tonight. Again."

Armando: <I couldn't help it! She's, she's so—>

He devolved into laughter once more. Cortez had to stop himself from laughing along.

Cortez: <Armando! Don't *chuckle* don't be a *stifle* a jerk!>

Silversmith: "Apparently I'm going on yet another trip. That makes 3 in a week. *sigh* Well, seems were nearly done. And I think the guitar guy wants us to go. What say you?"

Stormchaser

Darren: <We couldn't tell you.>

Iona: <We're from.. somewhere else, too.>

Edited by Daydre on Apr 2nd 2019 at 1:14:53 PM

off the shits

Cafe Sonata

A mid-20s man who seems to be slightly disheveled enters the cafe.

Edward, possessing Shutter's body: Coffee.

Shutter's mind: <Dude, if we're going to be in this situation, you are going to follow my lead and follow human decorum. Understand?>

Edward, in Shutter's mind: <Have it your way, Gavin.>

Shutter: Yeah... my usual please.

Edward, in Shutter's mind: <The coffee here better be worth it.>

Shutter's mind: <Just be glad we didn't go to a Yonut. Great doughnuts. Great rice balls. Terrible coffee.>

Gimbal, through the phone: I don't want to look but I can't stop watching.