Motostoke, past

-To Coil and co-

Macros Cosmos, is, or rather was the biggest company in Galar, it was basically to the region what Pokefutures was in Angela prior to its fall at the PEFE's hands.

Now, its CEO, Rose, also happened to be Chairman of the Galar League An issue of two many hands in one pot if I ever saw one, and felt that Galar's 1,000 year energy problem needed to be solved right then and there Probably exacerbated by the whole "hole in the sky for two years" thing, and tried to use the power of an ancient legendary, Eternatus, to do so.

Of course, as is the case when humans decide to screw with legendaries, it horrifically backfired, and the then enraged Eternatus on a diet of Wishing Stars like a Farfetch'd foie gras went on a rampage that had to be stopped by two trainers and the ancient legends Zacian and Zamazenta.

Rose went to prison, but Macro Cosmos is still in business, if weakened. Apart from the Eternatus thing it's a bit hard to tell how corrupt they truly are, but it's a major corporation that's basically a monopoly, someone had to get squished somewhere.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 5th 2020 at 3:00:46 PM

"Well issue is, my castle wouldn't teleport, I'd rather my fortress remain stationary. And Victor isn't J-Team and has no desire to be, he only agreed to this cross country venture because it would get him out and help him socialize... hopefully make things less boring," Arthur explained.

Victor shrugged, "Boredom is the biggest reason I don't do anything... anyways the castle would have teleportation. Through a neat little device called a Slipgate!"

<I recall reading about them,> Hayden commented, <Ancient technology of some sort?>

"Basically, they are from some ancient civilization that like all ancient technological civilizations vanished, either Hyul, Alakagross, or some other one, doesn't matter, it is a fun idea," Victor noted.

Delta stepped into the command center and stretched, "Ah, Josiah, you're back. How was your extended vacation?"

Josiah smiled, "It was great sir, got to spend some time with my kids, we went to [Disneyland] and they had a great time!"

"How is your husband?"

"Still worrying, I assured him that my job is just a foreman on this rig, I just watch over things."

Delta smirked, "Well that's good, I hope he-"

"Sir!"

Delta looked over and saw a Peon saluting, "Yes?"

"Sir we have a job awaiting you."

Delta sighed, "It couldn't be handled by one of you?"

"Specifically requested you sir, target is a Medicham belonging to... according to the docket, a monk of sorts."

Delta sighed, he'd need to read that later, "Very well. Josiah, get me Sphinx."

"Sphinx?"

"We need to discuss supply lines, we're still recovering from that attack and changes made mean we have to rely on external help."

Josiah nodded and booted up the communications rig, the screen wobbled through static before coming up to standard communication.

"Sphinx, been awhile since we've had to talk..." Delta said, a small smirk on his face behind his helmet.

Turffield Outskirts

-tailwag- <Yeah, that's her! Do you know her?>

Monitor, Delta-Carrier

The monitor displayed the backlit silhouette of an ominous broad-shouldered figure with his hands finger tented.

Sphinx: Delta, old friend. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Edited by MasterJayAM on Mar 27th 2020 at 2:37:11 AM

Logan: -laugh- Only by reputation. And the J-Team show, for whatever that's worth.

-chintap- Megan seems to think she's pretty cute.

Addie: -still snacking- <I wonder how a battle'd go, between them.>

Logan: It sounds like a pretty interesting thought exercise, doesn't it? There was a battle back in Postwick, too, in related contexts. Trainers are interesting.

Megan: ooooooh.

Vee: <Huh. I'd 'xpect that they do a lotta lab work 'nstead 'f battlin'? Trial by fire's the best bond-forgin'.>

Pippy: -watching Ever and Muninn's back-and-forth, musing- <Reading people is one of the more tricky things out there. Logan scares me.>

Vee: -grin- <Hey, go self-improvement. You gotta watch out fer the smart ones, y'know.> -taps head-

Megan: -stareyes, bouncing- Yeah! Big setup's really fun when it works right, this is gonna be great.

-...-

-...

-...-

Megan: I have concerns.

Pollen: -lying flat- <Whatever's going on doesn't sound like eventual big explosions.>

Megan: -tentatively- It is not, no.

Lapis: -explanatory- Bwah.

Pollen: <Welp.>

Vee: -hmmm-

Megan: Uh...is that a stall tactic? I think those normally work better with some poison or something, uh...

Maybe there's a science thing I don't know…?

-...-

Pippy: -promptly pets, providing perch- :>

-to the cloud of floaty friends- <Oh hello!>

Fraidy: -watches Arc and Glimmer-

-by observation, she turns to watch what they're watching-

Vee: -turning to Muninn, eventually- <What're you so miffed about, anyhow? Haven' seen you since the rocket—> .3

-b o o m-

-

-..

-...-

Megan: That was beautiful

Vee: :O

Pippy: -cackle- <Yes, rage!>

Pollen: -sitting up- <Wait is that sound a Drampa? Koko, you don't wanna mess with them. Unless you're a fairy, of course.>

-little laugh- <That audience better watch out tonight.>

Turffield, Spectator Zone

Muninn: <Ugh. Just an old embarrassment.>

Oracle: <^o^>

Dreepy Swarm: <!> <!> <!>

-Arc doesn't take much notice of Fraidy, but Glimmer does, giving her a little c:-

Ever: Bleh. I can't w—

-that-

...Oh. Hm.

Okay, then. Guess she really did take something away from talking to Amanita.

Muninn: <That one was me, actually. We've had some talks about making up the power differential.>

Ever: ...Huh. Surprisingly synthesized.

Turffield Stadium, Battle Zone

Milo: ...I.

PEFE!Every: -very slight smile-

Milo: Didn't expect that.

PEFE!Every: Nobody does.

-she pets Caretaker's neck. The Drampa leans over, nuzzling her-

Milo: But I hope you don't think you're out of the woods!

PEFE!Every: ...You're a farmer, I thought. Your pun isn't on-theme.

Milo: Oh, leaf it alone.

-that one actually gets a giggle-

Milo: There we go! Proper smile for a proper challenge! But you're down one and a half, and I won't be letting up! Ludicolo!

-the Ludicolo is released...-

-right into the Sticky Web. He cringes slightly as he attempts to get into a dance and finds his feet stuck to the ground-

Ludicolo: <...Hey, uh, not to criticize, but that's a very angry-looking dragon, and I'm very stuck.>

Milo: You got this.

PEFE!Every: That's actually very untrue. Fortunately, if Caretaker is able to beat Ludicolo, I lose handily. So...for the sake of argument, sort of yes.

Milo: If— what?

PEFE!Every: Protect.

Milo: Fa— oh, of course. Ludicolo, don't bother.

Ludicolo: <I'm a little occupied anyway!>

-a flickering barrier keeps Ludicolo at bay, while Ludicolo continues struggling with the webbing-

Milo: Zen Headbutt!

PEFE!Every: Toxic.

Ludicolo: <Freedom!>

Caretaker, eyes narrowed: <Shame.>

-Ludicolo charges in, still kind of stumbling, and gets a spray of poisonous gases in the face as he slams headlong into Caretaker-

Caretaker: <Oof! Easy, dear, or you'll wind up hurting yourself!>

-she inhales, with the kind of force that dragons and Dragons only use before they're about to exhale something nasty-

PEFE!Every: Roost.

Literally Everyone in the Stadium Willing to Speak Up: Come on!>

-Ludicolo slams into Caretaker again, but she hardly seems to notice as she replenishes herself-

Ludicolo: <I try to maintain an upbeat spirit, you know! But you are—> -headbutt- <—making—> -headbutt- <—me—> -headbutt- <—very—> -headbutt- <—frustrated!>

Caretaker: <How—> -Roost- <—do—> -Roost- <—you—> -Roost- <—think—> -Roost- <—I—> -Roost- <—feel?>

Milo: You...you can't keep it up forever! There's only so long a Pokemon can keep recovering that way!

PEFE!Every: I am aware. Caretaker, you've done an astounding job. Please rest.

Ludicolo: <—ARGH!>

-but this time, Caretaker just sort of...shrugs, and takes the attack, flopping over onto her side like a bored dog-

Milo: Wh— b—

-at this point, there are a lot more jeers, and this time Milo doesn't bother stopping them-

Milo: What sort of strategy is this?

PEFE!Every: I'll explain everything shortly. Xeno.

Xeno: <Wh...since when do we battle?>

PEFE!Every: It's a new development.

Xeno: <I don't like it.>

PEFE!Every: You don't like anything.

Milo: Well, not that I expect much of it, but Waterfall!

PEFE!Every: Gravity, Xeno.

Xeno: <Sure, whatever.>

-his eyes glow, and suddenly adding to the webs obstructing Ludicolo's movement is an incredible weight. PEFE!Every drops to her knees to help stabilize herself. Milo just bears up. Xeno hovers down from the air, digging into the ground-

Ludicolo: <This won't...stop me...>

-he staggers forward, water pouring from his head and sloshing around in his hat-

Xeno: <Ugh.>

-Ludicolo slams into Xeno, who sighs, not quite dropping-

-and then the Toxic works its full effect-

Ludicolo: <I don't...feel so good.>

Xeno: <I truly could not care less.>

Milo: ...Okay.

PEFE!Every: One more, right?

Milo: Right. You ready for Dynamax? You've gotten pretty far on stalling, but you'll find it harder to wait out the raw power of a Dynamaxed Pokemon!

PEFE!Every: -nod nod-

Milo: -cocks his arm back-

-energy spills from his wristband, as the ball grows-

-he flings it underhand, with the motion of anyone tossing a bale of hay-

-and-

-presenting-

ELDEGOSS: <AIR SEEMS A LITTLE HEAVY TODAY! MILO, YOU SURE YOU CLEARED OUT AFTER THE LAST—>

PEFE!Every: Hypnosis.

Xeno: <Thank goodness.>

-he locks eyes with ELDEGOSS. His third eye specifically. ELDEGOSS moves to turn away, but between his own ponderous size, and the added burden of Xeno's Gravity...-

Milo: ...What?

PEFE!Every: That's it. That's my strategy.

Milo: ...

PEFE!Every: I said I would explain. Dynamax lasts a set amount of time, of course, and sleep consumes most of that time. More if I make sure it sticks around. But Hypnosis is notoriously unreliable, and the most effective sleep-induction moves don't work on Grass-types. So I needed Gravity. But if I spent any time setting up against Eldegoss, I would lose, because my team isn't generally defensively strong. So it needed to be prepared beforehand. Which meant I had to leave defeating Ludicolo to a status effect. I also needed to make sure Xeno was able to act first, which meant Spider Web. Eldegoss are not especially fast, sure, but it never hurts to make sure, especially as we're a little out of practice.

Milo: ...Well. It's hardly interesting, is it?

PEFE!Every: No, but I think it's effective.

Xeno: <If you don't mind snoring.>

-or booing-

Milo: You don't seem to care too much about the opinions of the crowd.

PEFE!Every: Astute observation.

Milo: All the same, I'd recommend coming up with something a little more...showy, for your battle with Nessa.

PEFE!Every: Mm.

Milo: For now, though...a well-earned victory.

-PEFE!Every grins-

PEFE!Every: Get ready, Xeno.

ELDEGOSS: -waking up, and shrinking down- <WHAt...>

PEFE!Every: Air Slash.

-Xeno slides in, and a blast of razor-sharp air is dispensed-

-at point blank-

Milo: ...Proper job. Really.

Edited by memyselfandI2 on Mar 26th 2020 at 11:52:31 AM

The (Not Quite) Abandoned Hut

So like, I've stepped into the fairy world right? I'm having tea in a spotless wooden house in the middle of a forest full of glowing mushrooms. This is some distinctly fairytale stuff going on.

-The Indeedee looks aslant as he carefully removes the teapot from the hearth and pours some water into the teacups. The difference in scale between the two foot tall Pokemon and the human-scale teapot makes things a little precarious-

Indeedee: <Well, I have heard some say this place is close to the fae realm, but no it's just the Glimwood. I'm sure you and the resident can talk about it when they get back.>

Still, this is-

-The words give Gale pause for a moment-

Okay, so this isn't your house?

Indeedee: <Hm? I just take care of this place. I'm sure the resident will return home soon.>

... How long has it been?

-The Indeedee sets down the teapot and takes a sip of tea as he thinks-

Indeedee: <Oh I think I stumbled upon this place about five winters ago? Maybe it was ten... Sorry it's easy to lose track of days when you have a routine.>

... You... Hold on I need to sort this out in my head. So anywhere up to ten years ago, you just found this place abandoned and decided to fix it up and wait for the owner to return.

Indeedee: <Well, it feels good to be of use. Besides, this place feels so much more inviting all tidied up.>

And whoever lived here has not like... Turned up since you started cleaning up?

Indeedee: <Oh I'm sure whoever they are is just being delayed. After all, they left behind some personal effects that I have been very careful not to disturb.>

-Gale sharply breathes in through her nose and drinks some tea-

Have you. Perhaps. At any point in those ten years... Maybe considered that they just... Aren't coming back?

Indeedee: <And you're suggesting this was a futile effort? Well that does put a dampner on things. And here I thought it would be nice to keep the place clean... What am I going to do now then, hm?>

Do you... Okay cards on the table I'm a trainer and I was gonna try and recruit a Ponyta but if you wanna come with me and be part of my team the offer is on the table.

Indeedee: <I suppose. It just seems like a shame to leave this place without care...>

If this place was a little easier to find I could probably hide out here when I'm in the area. That's kinda the issue though, got kinda... Lost.

Indeedee: <I think perhaps this close to the feywild, thought becomes action far more easily than otherwise.>

-Gale needs to think those words through over another cup of tea-

As in... I think about coming here and I just... Do?

Indeedee: <Perhaps, I'm not an expert in the whims of the fair folk. Will you be staying the night?>

Sure, I'll probably use my own bedding but I can stick around for the night. I'll need to find you a Pokeball for travelling with me.

Indeedee: <Wonderful! Well you can settle in and I'll get to work on some supper.>

-Gale smiles and sets her bag down to get herself comfy for her little sleep-over-

Hey, guess no-one's told you this before but good work.

Indeedee: <Hm. Nice to be appreciated.>

Fraidy: c:

-and as for the others-

-one can see their expressions go from :D to c:-

-to :| to •~• to D:-

-just...the steadily dawning horror- DDD:

-of watching a train wreck, but at one-quarter speed and deliberate, and subsequently Dynamaxed halfway through the nearest cornfield-

-...-

-...-

Pollen: <Well that was...protracted.>

Lapis: bwah. @w@

-...-

Megan: ...hee.

-and that does it-

-that restrained little giggle blows the gates open for disbelieving chuckles, tensionless chortles, and the segue into full-on, full-bellied laughter-

Megan: -laughing hardest, smacking her leg- IncrEDIBLE!

Pippy: -snortling- <That was the most awful thing I've witnessed all month!> ^v^

Vee: -cackling- <Fuck the crowd! I respect you!>

Pollen: <Wh—oh come on.>

Fraidy: -quite confuzzled- <...aaaaaaaaaaaaa???>

Megan: -still giggling, wiping a tear- Oh I would've haaaated fighting her...

Pippy: -eeheehee- <Yeah stall teams are the worst~>

<Years of Gym. Putting giants to sleep. Whew.>

Vee: <There's somethin' satisfyin' about stranglin' someone stronger into submission, though, ain't there?> .3

-nyahahaha- <Oooh, you could knock me out with a punch, well can't touch this, bucko!>

Pollen: -splutter- <How—how is this entertaining??>

Vee: -finflip- <What can I say, I'm a girl that appreciates the finer thin's in life. Like spiteful dedication to somethin' functional, or Simply Not Carin'.> ^w

Turffield, Spectator Zone

-throughout this whole thing, Ever has just been staring-

Ever: ...

-though unlike Megan, their face is getting more and more intense-

...

-:/ to :| to :O to >:I to >:V-

...

Okay then. That...I mean, that was completely ridiculous.

Muninn: <It worked.>

Ever: It sure fucking did.

-and their expression of faint shock gives way to a grin as Megan starts laughing-

Holy shit.

Muninn: <Heh.>

Ever: Take note, kids.

-Arc and Glimmer perk up. Oracle seems more occupied chilling, and Scramble of course takes no notice of anything-

Ever: Doesn't matter how unorthodox or boring. If it works, it works. Even if it's morally unconscionable.

But holy fu—

-the door opens, and PEFE!Every drags herself in, looking thoroughly frazzled-

PEFE!Every: So that was exhausting. This Gym Badge is weird, and I don't know what I would ever do with this uniform, because I am not showing off that much of my legs. But at least I talked them out of giving me yet another copy of a TM I already ha—

-she's swept up in a hug by Ever-

Eep!

Ever: You are legitimately amazing, you know that, right?

PEFE!Every: I can't really tell if that's meant as a compliment.

Ever: I'm hugging you, you tool. Of course it is.

The (No Longer) Abandoned Hut

-It's time for a montage-

-We see Gale pouring herself another cup of tea as the Indeedee tends to the fireplace. Gale is waiting for her phone to finish sending through a message that she's safe and fine through the limited mobile service in the deep woods. She briefly ponders a relay tower and then something to power it; solar panels cross her mind before she realizes that sunlight is not exactly forthcoming in the Glimwood-

Do you have a name? I'm not too strict on naming themes but it's just easier if I have a name to call you.

Indeedee: <Most humans just call me by my species and most of the other local Pokemon just know me as 'the Indeedee that takes care of the human house'. If you want to help me pick, I suppose I would like something dependable but not overtly utilitarian.>

I'll put some thought in.

-She puts her phone away once the 'message sent' appears on screen. Looking at the hearth for a moment she rummages in her bag, carefully getting out her Pokeballs and camping kit-

Yaknow what, if you're joining my team I might as well treat everyone to a curry yeah?

Indeedee: <Ah, you cook?>

Yeah, it's kinda my passion. Do you?

Indeedee: <Occasionally. Not every human visitor to this place is as conversational as you but they all seem to appreciate a mushroom stew or roast forage.>

-Gale smiles warmly, unpacking curry mix and preparation utensils-

Yaknow what, I think we can do some good things with the local mushrooms.

-Let's cut ahead; Gale has set up her streaming camera on the table, pointed over at the fireplace while she stirs the simmering curry and her Pokemon mingle with each other. While there isn't a good enough signal out here to stream this cooking live to her followers, she will eventually put the footage up on her social media account. Next to the camera is her own notebook, filled with notes on Glimwood's local forage and ideas on how to carry that through to a more structured meal. The Indeedee looks pretty happy meeting all these Pokemon from such far-away places as Route 1 and Circhester and is asking a lot of questions about what it's like travelling with a trainer-

Alright, that looks about ready. Food's on, team!

-She hums happily to herself as she portions out the rice and curry roux into the team members usual bowls (A standard plate for James and Millie, a plate raised on a box for Acolyte to peck at, a tiny cup for Snom, a plate and cutlery that Indeedee retrieved from somewhere in the cabin for himself and a bowl and splayde for Gale) and sits by the fire to enjoy the hearty meal-

Indeedee: <O-oh! I was not expecting a flavor like this.>

Millie: <Not used to spicy foods?>

Acolyte: <If you don't like it I'll take it.>

Indeedee: <I can handle it. Might just need something to drink is all.>

Oh, you'll probably want some kind of milk rather than water. Get a cup if you've got a favorite and I'll see if I've got any almond milk left over.

-She sets her meal aside and scrambles to her feet to go do such a thing. We'll cut ahead a little further; Practically everyone's gone to bed and the fire is slowly dying down. Gale is still awake though, reading from the book she noticed on the table before as she lays next to the fire with Millie snuggled under one arm. The book is a journal of the person who lived here and Gale can't tell whether the journal is incredibly old or whoever lived here is a Faller from another world. Eventually she stumbles upon a few passages of note:-

-Gale sets down the book and stares at the hearth. Surely she wasn't reckless enough to reach in and take a stone? Well she wasn't, but she was willing to carefully roll a stone out of the fire using part of her camping kit and set it on the side to cool just enough to touch-

Surely this isn't... If this has that stupid little swirl on it...

-No such symbol appears on the stone as it cools and eventually it is safe to pick up. The stone is smooth and featureless and still warm... No, it remains as comfortably warm as the fireside even after Gale takes it away from the heat. Holding the stone feels like being home-

Oh. It's a little warmth stone. Cute.

-She turns it over in her hands and places it back onto the hearth-side as she calms down for sleep-

Delta let out a low rumbling noise that could've been a laugh, "Got a job, big one. A shiny Medicham belonging to some Monk or something, just know that the details are going to be a little bigger than normal so I'm going to need a secure supply line."

He let out a sigh, "Current panic over recent... arrests has made many of our clients worried and you and Scratch are the only ones with the security rating that makes them feel safe... oh and Scratch has been informed that your delivery is on its way."

Monitor

Sphinx: Say no more. Covert transfers are a delicate matter since it complicates my usual way of hedging risks. It will not come cheap, even with the discounts that come from serving guild members. However, I can guarantee its safe delivery.

The screen changes to a diagram of his proposal to hide the egg through numerous transactions, including letting slip word of valuable cargo taking place a port away from the destination and target.

Sphinx: And it will insured, of course. Superheroes I can handle. Arceus Himself is all I can't account for. The shipment shall reach Orre within the next few days.

"You know I can pay those rates very easily," Delta said with a wry tone, "I hear that the newbie did alright under your guidance. We may make a proper hunter out of him yet, may even make top 10."

Josiah just looked over at Delta, this was... odd.

"I'll contact you once I have the target in hand, meet for a dropoff at the standard location?"

Monitor

Sphinx: He's got a long way to go before he reaches Top Ten, but he's shown himself to be a fast learner. More so than many of my lower-rung henchman. With the right mindset, I can see him challenging even Scratch.

He chuckles briefly.

Sphinx: All joking aside, inform me of the rendezvous point. I'll have an escort ready in two shakes of a mareep's tail.

"Scratch is a bit of a idiot, that hubris will be the end of him," Delta commented.

He turned back to Sphinx, "I will be in contact."

The connection cut and Delta turned to Josiah, "Get the hangar's ready, I want my personal VTOL ready, I'll be reviewing the document, Hoenn."

Josiah nodded and set about issuing commands as Delta stepped out.

~He seems well,~ Zatara noted.

Hulbury Stadium - Past

Nessa: "You'll need more than raw power and type-advantage to beat me! Goldeem!"

Isbrand: "You might be more of a challenge...but that's not saying much. Miku."

-Nessa's Goldeen and Isbrand's shiny Galarian Zigzagoon take the field.-

Nessa: "Water Pulse!"

Isbrand: "Rain Dance."

-Goldeen fires an orb of water at Miku, which explodes into a thousand razor sharp droplets.-

Miku: <Ouch! You got my fur wet!>

-She dances angrily.-

Nessa: "Rain Dance? What are you playing at, challenger?"

-Isbrand projects a hard light umbrella above her as clouds swirl in the air.-

Isbrand: "You'll see."

Motostoke Gym Challenge

Trainer: "Why isn't he doing anything?"

Trainer-Beta: "I don't know. He's just standing there...menacingly."

-Shaun drops an arrow to the ground, and it almost instantly appears in his other hand.-

Trainer: ??????

-Shaun tenses, holds his breath.-

Shaun: "Got ya. Now, 「Cold as Ice」! 20 meter radius Spirt Shackle!"

-And the purpose of that arrow is sudddenly clear to the frightened gym trainers.-

Spikemuth Bar

Krampus: <Actually I think he does!>

Cregga: <Enough of the fairy tales.>

Krampus: <No, no, it's true!>

Motostoke

Woman: Seeing family, huh? I'm just touring the region with my husband.

Man: The Haunter is a friend.

Haunter: <...Yes.>

Motostoke Stadium

Coil: So they were the Pokefutures equivalent here... This is good to know.

Iris: It is... Thanks for the lead, Tagg. The question on where to stay still stands.

Motostoke

"Why do I doubt that?" Delilah asked.

"The pause?" Roy asked. "That tends to be a dead giveaway."

"I guess we kinda count as husband and wife too. Well, not really, but we still have a son we love and care for well enough, considering our circumstances."

Vee: -matter-of-factly- <Intense boredom's the root of all innovation.> uw

Fraidy: -take-this-as-factly- <Ohhhhh…>

Pippy: <Uh.>

Vee: <An' 's always cool t' spice up a practical praxis demonstration wit' an egregious kaiju fight smack-dab in the middle.>

Pippy: -puuush- <Nnnnnnooo, that's not—>

-Pef-

-one (1) trio goes :D-

Pippy: -springing up- <That was...quite a showing!>

Vee: <Nice.> ^w

-Megan follows shortly after Ever, with a hug to lift two people off the ground if it lands-

Megan: -bright grinning wide- You did so good!

Pollen: <You...sure did something.>

Vee: <Meg, ask first!>

Turffield, Spectator Zone

-Ever somehow just...isn't in the way of the hug-

PEFE!Every: Augh!

-she flails a bit, but accepts with good grace, particularly once Muninn lands on her shoulder-

Muninn: <Excellent work, Every.>

PEFE!Every: Uh, I'm glad you all liked it. It was a bit embarrassing.

Ever: Hey, don't listen to the boos. You did great.

PEFE!Every: I don't care about that. It's just ridiculous to wear a labcoat into a battle.

-she pushes slightly at Megan-

Put me down.

Ever: Soooooooooo....

-slight Memito smile-

You're next, hmm, Megan?

Hulbury Stadium, Past

Nessa: "Well, no sense in letting this go to waste. Water Pulse, again!"

-This time, the aqua orb flattens into a disc as it slams into Miku, who wobbles on her feet.-

Miku: <You're mean!>

Isbrand: "Patience."

Miku: <I feel angry! I'm gonna get you real good!>

Nessa: "Looks like you're on your last legs. Once more!"

Isbrand: "Now, Miku!"

Miku: <Gaze upon me and despair!>

Victor laughed more, "You're talking to a 600 year old vampire who's current associate is a resurrected soldier from the curse of Kalos, while knowing the J-Team exists who at this point probably have several vampires. Fairy tales? Feh, more real than you think."

Trevor nodded, <Yeah it is kind of weird to not believe that Krampus exists then it is to believe he does.>

Arengir took a deep breath and inhaled, extending his senses outwards, part of auric practice was a few meditation exercises and deep breathing. He could sense everything around him, including his partner, Chun-Li, the name was a little cliche but Arengir didn't care.

Chun-Li was a master of mixed martial arts and she was quite proud of it, she was also a bit special in that she was a shiny mon as well, Arengir never fully got the want for the pigment mutation but far be it for him to argue with how well Chun had been a friend.

Chun smiled a bit as she extended her senses, the world around them was serene, she had enjoyed living these past few years with Arengir, he had been a good partner and teacher, and the two were ready for anything.

There was a brief crackle and the two opened their eyes and looked about, slowly they backed up to each other, there was something here. Many might just say it was "Just the wind" or "a pacharisu in the trees" but they both knew it was never just the wind.

Arengir smiled a bit, "Been awhile since we've had to face a challenger, ready?"

Chun smiled, ~Yes.~

A knife flew out of the dark and Arengir dodged as it struck a tree, embedding itself down to the hilt, out of the bushes leaped a Noivern, fangs bared going right for Chun-Li, Chun kicked him off and into a wall.

Arengir dug the knife out and closed his eyes, human attacker, probably some form of poacher or the rumored Hunter's Guild, they were in for a surprise. He was a champion, a former black belt, just because he decided on a life of quiet meditation doesn't mean he was rusty. He let his aura out and tried to sense the attacker, if he had a jammer he'd look for any blank spots.

"You can't hide forever," Arengir taunted, "Retreat and we will forget you were ever here."

No response came, instead a flurry of pokemon exited the bushes, a Charizard, a Golurk, Tyranitar, Venusaur, Feraligator, a Alakazam, and what looked to be a golden Hydregion crackling with electricity.

The sky almost seemed to darken and the air crackled as a thunderclap was heard, Arengir in a instant realized what was happening and dashed for his pokeball set, another knife darted out and struck the belt against the wall as Arengir pulled off one pokeball and released a Gengar, "HELP!"

The Gengar nodded and flew off into the fray as Arengir dug out a bracelet with a mega stone on it, he activated it and raised his hands to the air, as a cocoon wrapped around Chun-Li, she broke out and took a deep breath, and went to down as best as she could.

Arengir stepped back into the center as the rain started to fall, "Where are you... how are you hiding?"

"It's pointless to resist," a distorted voice came out, the voice of the attacker, "I was hired to do a job and it will be done. You could always try to get her back, find the one who hired me."

"I'd rather she not be taken at all, I will find you, and you will pay..." Arengir mumbled.

He took a deep breath, and steadied himself, extending his aura outwards, the droplets of rain slowing in his mind, the auras of every living thing around him, he'd be able to find this attacker even if they had a jammer on. In these situations a jammer would just create a deadspace in the air, "And most likely... you'll attack me from behind."

Arengir grinned, this is how it always worked.

"I'm in front of you."

Arengir opened his eyes just in time to see a being in orange armor, strike him with a uppercut. Arengir fell to the ground hard, and tried to get up, only to get a kick to his chest, knocking him into a wall. In a instance the orange figure was right in front of him again, a knife suddenly dug into solid stone right beside his head.

Delta tilted his head as panic washed over Arengir's face, "H-how did you? There's no jammer, I can't feel my head being filled with static, how are you you avoiding my senses?!"

Delta stepped back and walked over, Chun-li and the Gengar had put up a good fight but in the end it was still 8 against 2, she was being zapped by the Hydregion now, Mega-Evo had broken. Chun could barely stand as Delta stepped over to her, raised a odd raygun like pistol device, and pulled the trigger.

Arengir roared in anger and rushed over as Chun became a bronze-like substance and Delta said, "Get the Trophy case."

Arengir tried to throw a punch but soon found himself locked into a hold, with a knife at his neck, "Cease," Delta said impassively.

Arengir dropped, confusion, growing exhaustion, and the fact that he still hadn't got his lungs working right again finally caught up to him, he could only see a weird device stuck under Chun-Li, a bubbled dome form over her, and the Golurk heft her up and walk away.

Delta said nothing as his team and him walked out of the warped temple, Arengir left to lie in the rain, cursing Delta and just wanting Chun back.

some bank or other, Galar

-Saffy is talking to the teller.-

Saffy: What do you mean I can't transfer that money to another account? I've done it a million times in the past!

The bank teller: Well sorry, but the money's been taken.

Saffy: What?!

The bank teller: It was taken a few days ago, by someone who seems to be your sister.

Saffy: Damn. Well, thanks for letting me know.

an estate agency in Mistralton city, yesterday

-Sapphy, now sporting a pixie cut, sunglasses and a large blue sweater is talking to someone in front of a warehouse.-

Estate agent: That's it, miss Gorman. The warehouse is yours.

Sapphy: Thank you so much! I just love this area and I'd love to start up my business in Unova!

a warehouse in Mistralton, later that day

-Saffy steps inside with Slate.-

Sapphy: Well, Slate. Looks like "Livia Gorman" has great things ahead of her. Finally her and her prodigy Sandslash can pursue sculpting for fame and fortune! Good to know that fake passport works.

Slate: <Yeah! Let's go!>

Sapphy: Unova is such a nice place. Perfect for a home base for anything anywhere on the scale of legality.

Slate: <Yeah. Nice and far away from Hoenn.>

Sapphy: Also, mistralton has an airport, which is always handy. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go buy some furniture.

Edited by QuantumMelody29 on Mar 28th 2020 at 5:47:01 PM

Turffield — Scarlette vs. Rogue

Scarlette: Hey, that thing with the paralysis. Think you could do it again to the Vulpix?

Yed: <You bet I can!>

Rogue: Tsukiko, let's prove him wrong. Disable!

Tsukiko: <Ooh, yes!>

Yed: <Oh, no!>

-Yed rushes forward to attempt to Nuzzle Tsukiko before she gets the Disable out. However, Tsukiko lifts her paw, just high enough that Yed bumps it with his nose, the sparks around him fizzling out.-

Tsukiko: <Boop.> :3

Yed: <Noooo!>

Scarlette: Rrgh, Maya, try to clear your head so we can take care of Tsukiko!

Maya: <But— but itchy!>

-Maya rolls around on the ground in an attempt to relieve the Illusory Itch.-

-Rogue crosses their arms smugly.-

Rogue: Foolish pup. You thought you could stop me, the legendary thief, Rogue?

Scarlette: Wow you're laying it on thick.

Rogue: I have an image to maintain! Addie, bop the little one again!

Adiravke: <This feels super boring, but when I learn better moves, then you'll be sorry!>

-She shakes off the static electricity poofing her fur up, and runs into Yed's side.-

Yed: <Oof!>

Scarlette: C'mon, Yed, we can't let this get us down!

Yed: <You... you're right! I have to do something!>

-Yed picks up the stick he had earlier.-

Yed: <Villains! Your cruelty shall continue no more! Prepare to face my special attack!>

Rogue: Well, I am blue now.

-Brandishing the stick, Yed charges valiantly at Tsukiko to deliver a mighty blow!-

-...it's basically just Tackle but with a stick.-

Tsukiko: <...Ow?>

-Yed sees how little it actually did, and droops a bit.-

Yed: <...It was gonna be super cool.>

Tsukiko: <Oh, man, I'm gonna feel so bad about this...>

-She blows an Icy Wind at Yed, who stumbles and is blown over.-

-Maya is also covered in ice from the attack, but seems a bit preoccupied.-

Scarlette: ...Maya, please ignore the itchiness so we can turn this around?

Maya: <O-okay...>

-She gets to her feet.-

Scarlette: Good girl! Discharge!

-Being a dog, the "good girl" immediately perks Maya up, and she releases a pulse of electricity around the environment. Rogue's equipment briefly freezes up, before they knock on the side of their helmet for a bit of percussive maintenance.-

-Tsukiko and Adiravke are, of course, hit by the attack as well.-

Tsukiko: <Eep!>

Adiravke: <Aah!>

-The surge of electricity exacerbates Adiravke's condition, and she locks up.-

Tsukiko: <I feel way less bad about this next one!>

-She blows another Icy Wind at Maya, who also starts stumbling.-

Maya: <Oww!>

Scarlette: C'mon, hang in there, try a Fire Fang again!

Maya: <Okay! There is no itch, there is no itch...>

-She sufficiently denies the itch, and bites at Tsukiko with the same burning teeth that she nipped at herself with earlier.-

Tsukiko: <Ow!>

Rogue: Let's finish this one off.

Tsukiko: <Gladly!>

-Tsukiko blows one more Icy Wind, which starts to knock Maya off balance. Adiravke forces herself to move again, and runs up and topples Maya with a final Headbutt. Maya whimpers as she falls.-

Spikemuth Pub

Cregga: <...You have a point.>

Krampus: <See? See?>

Seigbert: Hey wait how can you understand them Victor?

Motostoke

'Haunter: -internally-    Note to self less pauses.   

Woman: -frowns- What circumstances?