Ren Faire Entrance

A portly old man and his younger female counterpart enter the faire, dressed in hanfu and headdresses and attended by similarly dressed servants carrying various items.

The approach Jonathan, still wearing the Kalosian gambeson.

Priscilla: Johnny! Of course you're here.

Jonathan and Priscilla exchange casual, if awkward, pleasantries.

Big Henry: Jon! A pleasure to meet you once more.

Big Henry promptly gave Jon a tight bear hug.

Jonathan: Great to see you too, sir.

Big Henry: Do not think this to be too awkward, my boy. You're still a part of the family in my eyes. Even if things didn't work out with you and Priscilla. Even though I and everyone else were in the assumption that you were.

Priscilla: Dad, no.

Jonathan: You know what, sir. We should meet the King. They take their roleplaying here really seriously.

Big Henry: Then why aren't you dressed like your people?

Jonathan: Pre-contact. It'd be an anachronism.

Big Henry: I'm pretty sure we saw a Samurai lord walking around just a few minutes ago.

Priscilla: Dad!

Big Henry: Priscilla! You don't expect everyone in a Renaissance faire to dress like [Westerners], do you?

Priscilla: Jon, just take us to the professor.

Jonathan: Happily, your highness!

Edited by MasterJayAM on Sep 22nd 2019 at 1:13:50 AM

Ren Faire

Byleth tilts her head again, confused and still not entirely sure what's going on.

It's at this remarkably awkward point that Artoria, Severa, and Medea finally catch up.

Artoria: "Oh thank Arceus we found you."

Byleth: "You seem to know what's going on, explain why there's someone impersonating my wife from our Garreg Mach days."

Artoria: "... Right, to answer that question, we'll need to talk about parallel universes."

Severa: "... Gawds, did you just-"

Artoria "Yes."

Byleth: "Parallel... universes?"

Artoria: "Yes. You're in one. This isn't Fodlan. ... At any point in time."

Severa: "I'm in the same boat you are. Different universe, but same idea. You'll get used to it. Besides, they have plenty of shops here."

Byleth: "Something I am sure Dorothea would appreciate."

She thinks for a moment, before nodding.

Byleth: "I have a feeling I can trust you. Very well. I will accept your explanation for now. Know, however, that I will tear you down if you are lying to me."

Her expression remains... more or less blank.

Artoria: "... Mildly terrifying. But we're not."

Post-raid

Edelgard: <This is not Fodlan. Let us put our differences behind us. We have a common enemy in the faction that locked us all in cages, one we share with this J-team that rescued us. If we must fight, let us at least first rid ourselves of this 'Mobius.'>

Catherine: <And maybe they'll have answers on how we get back home.>

"Affirmative. Lower levels are open, maintenance access is ours, and for a little more fun."

In Jak's vision appeared what looked to be a camera view of the team, on the monitor it just showed standard code.

The vision vanished, "You now have a proper view of the team that can be requested at any given time Commander. Let me know if the resonance imaging is getting disorienting at any time."

The maintenance door clicked and Jackal opened it, adjusting the case on his back he motioned to the team, "We have access. We begin."

Fox grinned, "Time to kick ass and take names."

Jackal took point and marched forward, the lower levels were pipes and cables, befitting what was a research center, he waved his pDroid against a server and got a negative beep, "Seems we're not in yet."

Sam woke up with a stretch, he grumbled, he had been working for the company for awhile, even before the new boss came in. He stood up and saw the new hire and a intern with the Budding Program overlooking a monitor, he wasn't a programmer himself, hence his time sleeping but he was smart enough to recognize when something wasn't totally approved.

Obelisk clicked a bit, "Okay now do these next 3 prompts and I should be able to connect and encrypt to all security, giving the OPS full access as nee-"

"Uh hey. Jak? What are you doing?" Sam asked walking over, he needed to find out.

Obelisk was at a lost for words, "We need a distraction until I can jargon up a reasonable excuse. Commander, what options do we have?"

The Black Knight turned to the Swordsman, pulled back his left fist, the whir of servos were heard and then his fist shot forward.

The Gunner however was soon faced by 3 Mons, all attacking at once, it seemed a bit like overkill.

The Black Knight however, never did anything partially.

Cubone!Byleth: -blank- <I am sure they have chalk in this world somewhere.>

<And it would take more than that for you to not be my student, Hubert.>

-glance at Edie, gesture- <I wouldn't be so quick to trust. Being taken from our home and locked in cages wasn't pleasant, but we don't know that our new allies don't have similar designs.>

-to Hubert- <If you could investigate this "J-Team" it would be appreciated.>

<Without killing anyone yet, please.>

<Lysithea...you haven't been my student for ten years?>

-she seems pleased at the thought-

<Shamir, what currency do you take currently? I'd like to hire you.>

<Flayn, have you seen Rhea anywhere among those taken?>

<And has anyone heard anything of them?>

-that's more expression than any of the rest of this has evoked-

<They may take advantage of our absence and the potential of new allies for their experiments.>

-Suiko, following some ominous chanting, once again possesses the Aura of a stranger, her...double-ended combat fishing rod slung over a misty shoulder-

Suiko: -drifting close behind Jackal- We're ready, on your cue.

-she sends out a ping, trying to make a secondary map of the underground by the paths of its water mains-

-can't be too careful-

-Lapis likewise distracts herself with fussing over Arc, which is likewise enjoyable-

-and Pollen gets an uncomfortable look on her face-

-which resembles...sympathy-

-really begrudging sympathy-

Pollen: <...but you didn't Vow anything to Jacob.>

-curling up- <And I don't want Megan's forgiveness.>

Edited by Asterisk395 on Sep 22nd 2019 at 12:24:39 PM

Rennfest — Past

Kai: Yyyep, that's my cue to leave. I'll catch up with you after the fallout!

-And they escape to the smithy, giving Arthur a nod of acknowledgment-

Kai: Hello! I'm here to browse swords and not deal with other people's extremely complicated family matters. Got any recommendations for the former?

Canalave City — Far Past

Skye: We're only leaving if we know you'll be alright. Which... you're clearly not.

King Industries - Past

-Jak quickly closes the message window she had open and spins around in her chair to face Sam.-

Jak: Oh, howdy there. Something's up with intranet editing privileges - seems like every time someone edits their staff page it crashes the whole damn system - so I was just pokin' around with the command prompt to try and find the problem. No luck. Mind getting on the horn to someone upstairs, see what's going on?

Canalave City - Past

-Lissa's hands ball into fists as she stares down Isbrand.-

Lissa: Guess I'm just a sucker for pain, then.

Cait: <Ach, what've you gotten us into this time...?>

Kalos Badlands, Ren Faire Smithy

-Lucius nods to Kai as they go, then looks back down at Lawrence, the presence of this strange, thirty-years-younger version of his father taking precedence over everything else around him.-

Lucius: ...You. How did you get here?

Lawrence: Must I be subjected to these relentless interrogations? I can assure you it was never my intent to-

-Lucius interrupts him with a heeled boot to the ribs.-

Lucius: Don't give me that bullshit. I want answers. Now.

-Lawrence coughs, before weakly spluttering out a response.-

Lawrence: I... I was looking for Lysander. My brother. I was... I wasn't thinking properly, I will admit. I'd been tracking him for days, saw him step through this strange purple rift, and I... I followed. That's all I remember.

-Lucius hesitates for a moment, then steps back.-

Lucius: ...Lysander's dead. In this timeline, at least. As is Elizabeth, and you.

Lawrence: Wait, he's... I'm... I refuse to believe you when you have nothing to support your claims. How do you know any of this?

-Lucius sighs, both hands clasping his forehead.-

Lucius: Arceus above, I am not nearly drunk enough for this right now.

Lumiose City, Cafe Soleil

Tara: Dude, I'm telling you. Major red flag right there.

-Shun, Tara, and Dani have all gathered to grab a coffee here in order to consult on Shun's disastrous date with Beauremont.-

Shun: I know, but... it's still entirely possible that it did honestly slip his mind. I don't want to throw away a good thing on account of this. After all, I think I would have been fine with it had he mentioned-

Tara: But he didn't mention it. Look, the longest relationship I've ever had is powered by batteries, but even I know that the key to a healthy poly relationship is communication. Every partner's gotta know exactly what they're getting into. If that kinda thing slips his mind? He shouldn't be messing you around in the first place.

Dani: Yeah! You deserve better than this, Shun.

Shun: Alright. I... I'll talk to him.

-He sighs.-

Shun: Now I remember why I never bothered with relationships until now. Solving a cold case is nothing compared to this.

Tara: Tell me about it. Supervillainy was a way more satisfying gig than unpaid counselling.

Edited by Herbert40k on Sep 22nd 2019 at 4:44:51 PM

Stormchaser

Hubert: <As you wish. Though I feel it bears pointing out that you just commanded me to spy on people in this room.>

Mercedes: <Them...you're right. There might be worlds where we didn't defeat them...>

Edited by SwiftSeraph on Sep 22nd 2019 at 11:55:08 AM

King Industries, Lower Levels

Lamb's gaze darted around, keeping an eye out for any sign that they were being watched while at the same time getting a lay of the land.

Stormchaser Arena

A Unovan watched silently as a Galvantula and Stoutland sparred against each other. A bolt of Thunder flew at the Normal-type, who raised a Protect.

The door was unlocked.

King Industries, Server Room

-Jak can still vaguely hear the slithering noise, but only vaguely-

King Industries, Underground

-Baba Yaga is conspicuously absent-

-There is a brief crackling then silence-

Post-Raid

Flayn: -frowns as much as a Skrelp can- <I haven't seen Rhea no...>

Ren Faire

Medea: -to Byleth- Oh, I like you...

Ren Faire

Priscilla: Okay Jon, why are you really here?

Jonathan: Why do ask? I'm just on assignment.

Priscilla: There's more to that noggin of yours that just deliberate normcore, Jon. You're looking into something. Are you doing your derring-do detective routine again? At least be careful—

Jonathan: Pris, in case you haven’t noticed, I'm bland. I fit in, even if I don't want to fit in. Besides today, have you ever seen me without this sweater on?

He shows her a picture of him in work clothes.

Jonathan: That's not weird. That makes me the perfect go-to guy to snoop around in places. Nobody asks why I'm there.

Priscilla: I highly doubt that.

Jonathan: But if you want a full report, nothing here is out of the baseline except maybe for a few fallers and rifts forming some distance away in the Badlands. The weirdest thing in this festival is the occasional geographic oddity and anachronistic Coke.

Priscilla: Well, that's... actually good to know.

Jonathan: Come on, Prissy, you're not doing Dr. Tagg's errands today. Don't pretend that the Aurabolts would suddenly make a mess of things and you have to go clean up what Pokefutures trash they leave behind.

Priscilla: Hmph. I could actually let my guard down today.

Jonathan: Relax. You certainly chose wisely to not bring Henroid along. You'd like this one guy a lot, though. He's this experimental archeologist who works in the smithy using pretty spot on period metalwork. Big Henry might want an accurate replica of his rusty sword collection.

Priscilla: Oooh, daddy would like that. Good thing I took pictures of 'em. Murphy!

Murphy, from the phone: Happy to oblige, mistress!

The Badlands

A time travel flash gives way to a robotic figure and his pokémon obscured by the smoke.

Rotom!Jonathan: He's not here anymore.

Dave: Oh shit. Never mind. I'm on to you, Goober. You can't run from the IDPD forever.

The group disappears in another time travel flash.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Sep 24th 2019 at 4:08:13 PM

Canalave City - TS

I know Mean Girls technically started playing over this scene but I need the Angst

CW: Suicide as a threat, Isbrand low-key hating herself as a person

-Isbrand laughs sadly.-

Isbrand: "Damnit...why'd you all have to be such nice, good-hearted people?"

-She turns off her shield and lowers her sword, pointing it at the ground.-

Isbrand: "I can't bring myself to fight you all. Even if I could...I'm so outnumbered that my only way out would be to kill you all. And I don't take innocent lives."

-With that, she holds Einbite to her throat, the cold metal harsh against her flesh. A dark, freezing fire flickers in her eyes.-

Isbrand: "But my hands are stained in blood. I hate to do this to you all - I despise myself for being such a worthless piece of shit to consider it - but please. Just walk away."

-The implications are clear.-

-Isbrand's mons freeze in place.-

Mako: <Think about this, Issy. Please.>

   Shade   : <I regret pocketing that sample of venom for you.>

Edited by SwiftSeraph on Sep 22nd 2019 at 11:22:14 AM

King Industries, Server Room

-The intern glanced over from where he was leaning on the door and feigned shock that there was someone else in the room-

Aye, sorry mate. Didn't see you over there! Pleased to meetcha by the way, you got a nametag or should I be polite and ask?

-He stopped leaning on the door and walked over, sticking out his hand-

Always nice to meet a fellow person in the field innit? Handshake, chummer?

Renfaire, 100-Man Challenge

-There's no glitchblood spurt from the Swordsmii as it collapses and disperses and of course, under such a focused assault of Pokemon, the Gunner falls in shreds before evaporating too-

Well done, well done. Time for the next batch. And before we start, I'd like to assure the audience that these are mere illusions, no cruelty involved.

-He channels more power, though halfway through he needs to take a moment to breathe before casting the obscuric sludge into the arena-

The question, dear Knight: What is Strength?

-From the sludge emerge three bestial figures; an Ursaring with inksplodged fur, a Noctowl about half a head taller than the Knight and a Lycanroc (day) with a black iron sword hovering above it's back-

-Merlin slumps in his chair and gives Joseph a glance as the Noctowl takes flight and flings a Shadow Ball into the arena, the Lycanroc charges in intending to Crunch and the Ursaring bursts into Fake Tears-

Hey Jo, mind handling the next three? I gotta regain my mojo for number 99.

-He pops a weak little smile-

Stormchaser, Arena

-Quietly, almost intentionally stealthily, Pent wanders into the sidelines of the training area-

Hm... Impressive.

Regardless of whether they plan on going now or later... another force of similar power to the one around the Mightyena plushie shows up on Pink's radar.

Ren Faire

-An Oranguru taps Johnathan on the shoulder-

Stormchaser, Aleysha

Trina: ...Nothing, carry on.

Playroom Of Gluttony

-Julius gets an uncomfy feeling-

Julius: ...Guys?

Stormchaser, Daydre/Logan

Plague Doktor: <Oh boy.>

-Gabe does the Zigzagoon thing again-

Gabe: What... what is it?

Edited by Umbramatic on Sep 23rd 2019 at 1:36:01 PM

Stormchaser, Alyesha

Alyesha stayed quiet for a moment before shrugging and nodding

Alyesha: "Umm, alright, as said, just thanking the girl, then I'll show you the way to the cafeteria"

KI, Underground

Stranger had a little peak out of the service hatch before waving off the team.

"Good luck you lot."

He gave Suiko a reassuring pat.

"Don't worry, you're in good hands I think."

He ducked back down into the Underground.

"Hopefully it all goes smoothly and you won't need a quick extraction."

Some of the 'Bolts might catch a glimpse of a Stunky and a Whimsicott quickly darting down the hall and into a ventilation shaft.

Ren Faire

"...I can't tell if you're joking or not. Even if you are I don't doubt you'd have ways to peak into my mind."

Sh relaxes a bit.

"I heard about the work you do. I don't know if Lissa told you yet, but I was maybe looking to apply?"

Canalave-Past

Lita went wide-eyed. Her heart raced seeing someone who she only met but form a connection with now suddenly turning a blade on herself. Her hands shook as she gripped the handle of her blade in one hand and a Pokeball in another.

I can't handle this. What have I gotten myself into?!

She sent out Thundercracker (Vikavolt).

"Quick, String Shot!"

The Beetle mon launched a line of silk at Isbrand's face to hopefully blind her temporarily and put her off balance. Lita moved quickly, running up to her and swinging her sword, still in it's sheath, at Einbite, trying to disarm Isbrand.

"I don't want to fight you, but of I have to I will!"

Ren Faire, Past

Jonathan: Oh, hey.

Priscilla: Jon, do you know this specific Oranguru?

Ren Faire

Me: Would you like to hear about what Pent saw?

Ren Faire

Des seemed...distant. He snapped back to reality when Ian spoke to him.

"Go ahead."

Stormchaser Arena

Colton didn't notice Pent, instead grabbing his Sun Stone and turning into Talbain, wordlessly barking at 9-Volt, who returned.

The Lycanroc took a stance while staring down Julius, the Stoutland staring back.

<Draw!> Talbain barked, eyes flashing red before diving with Accelerock, the Protect rising by the time he was halfway there, bouncing off the barrier, ears splayed.

<Nice reaction,> he congratulated before he caught sight of Pent. Still a Lycanroc, he approached.

Byleth: -to Hubert, shrug-

Logan: -in the distance- It's alright, we don't have any operational security anyways!

Byleth: -"well, there you have it" nod-

Logan: But also please don't kill us

Vee: <If you kill me I'll eat you, you poison-smelly bird man>

Pippy: -frantic, distant shushing-

Logan: It's the Red Orb.

-from the bag, they extract a pod-shaped bento, which they start to eat-

-right where it belongs-

Logan: You seem responsible. And I can hardly deny you something that might save your entire world, after all. Even if it's a long shot.

-querying glance at Daydre, for a second opinion-

...actually.

-clicking their chopsticks shut- If you'd like, you could go back to...Zygarde, and say that...

-uncertain- There's an artifact, but the person who has it won't give it to you until they find out what it'll be used for.

-nod- And maybe that'll get you something more concrete.

-in a clearing outside the Stormchaser, there stands a young woman, a Vaporeon, and an Empoleon-

Megan: Science log, one.

-the young woman paces about, speaking into the voice reader of a fourth-generation Pokédex-

Megan: Test one. Trial one? I'm, uh, not really sure how the notation works—

-scattered about are pieces of paper, covered in calculations and weighted down with an assortment of rocks, unopened Potion bottles, and on one stack, a single rather viciously placed Iron Ball-

Megan: —but we're probably going to be transcribing all this anyways so here goes.

Pippy: -poking her- <You mean I'm going to be transcribing this.>

Megan: ...uh, do you—

Pippy: -snort- <Banter for my pay.>

Megan: Oh!

-poking back- Empoleon Empoleon^* <cheese gummis> to you too.

Pippy: -sticks out his tongue-

Megan: -sticks out her tongue-

-back to pace- Anyways, first we need to define the parameters. Er, the units involved.

Edited by Asterisk395 on Sep 25th 2019 at 12:49:32 PM

Ren Faire

Me: Well... to start, he saw halls of books, bound in black...

Then, he saw a city like circuits, cities like clockwork...

He then revealed to me that it was a Travelling Curse...

An unwinding thread, against the clock. and that I will face a crushing test, and claim a perfect paradox.

What do you think, Des?

Jackal feels a chill run up his spine, "Arceus I miss the days where I was just training pokemon and learning stuff."

"Now you're fully committed to the weird Captain," Bishop comments.

"I want to get back to just pokemon stuff... maybe go exploring space a little... stuff less weird than this."

"You'll have your chance eventually."

Playroom of Gluttony, past

Pink: <...I'm picking up something... not so good.>

We need to hide.

Playroom of Gluttony

Rose: Hiding is good. Better than dying.

-She looks around for somewhere to do so.-