Persephone Station, Reception

Well, guess I won't be getting you that Christmas gift after all...

-Oh hey, a certain... Actually it's still the celestial wizard aesthetic Pent right now drifting close enough to the vampire chat (tm) to see Kai's flagrant rejection of any kind of help-

Here, whatever, I— Gale— whatever. Made snacks for the buffet and I kept a box for myself.

-It's a quick change, the bird-aesthetic but non-bird individual now standing there with the celestial pattern fading away from her prim and sharp black suit. Gale rummages in her pockets for a plastic box and pops the lid to reveal a bunch of very ordinary cookies-

I swear Kai, you're gonna be dead from self drain by this time next year...

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Persephone Station

-Kai is halfway through assembling a hors d'oeuvres plate when they hear Alice's voice, and their demeanor immediately brightens up.-

Kai: Oh, Alice! Don't worry, everything's fine, I'm just— getting approached by strangers at a party without someone else's company is a bit nerve-wracking, y'know? Especially when you're hungry.

-They take a bite of a deviled egg right as Pent— no, Gale— approaches, and they don't manage to mask their Deerling-in-headlights expression as well as they'd probably like.-

Kai: I— I told you, I'm fine. It's actual hunger, not Aura hunger, see? That's all. I'm fine.

Persephone Station

-Alice nods and smiles, though the glimmer of concern on her face doesn't fade completely.-

Alice: Ah, I understand. I don't doubt that this particular venue makes such encounters feel even more claustrophobic than usual. I would have sought you out earlier, had I not found myself similarly engaged.

-She notices the look that Kai gives Gale as approaches, and frowns.-

Alice: ...Gale. Hello.

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 1st 2020 at 12:45:04 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.

-Gale gives some kind of vague smile before setting the cookie box onto the nearest convenient surface-

I get it, you're trying to downplay things but gaunt isn't a good look on you.

-She lets out a deep sigh-

This isn't penance. This isn't some karmic retribution, you shouldn't kill yourself over it...

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Persephone Station

-Kai really isn't doing a great job of playing it cool. They're trying, bless their heart, but it definitely shows.-

Kai: Listen, I— there's nothing to worry about, okay? I'm fine. I turned down help from a stranger, big deal, I'm handling my situation, and in the meantime, I'm just— I'm glad to see you two.

-They take another bite.-

Kai: Hey, so, vampire teeth? Great in theory, but sometimes they grind against your lower teeth and it feels super weird. I get why they stick to a liquid diet in the myths.

Persephone Station

Alice: Thinking about it, I can see how they would have both their advantages and disadvantages.

-She sighs.-

Alice: ...Kai. Are you alright? Because if you would rather not have this sort of conversation right now, I am happy to defer the matter and provide a distraction in the meantime. Today is meant to be a day of celebration, after all. However, if it is something that cannot be reasonably deferred, or that you require assistance with, then I would rather that be addressed now.

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.

Yeah I can just... Go off elsewhere and hide my concern if you'd rather pass off any help as per usual.

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Persephone Station

-Oh.-

Kai: ...

-Oh, that visibly hurt.-

Kai: ...Please don't go. Either of you. I— I'm sorry, you're right, I need to— I don't want to cause a scene out here, two hundred miles up, but— maybe just a quick enough donation so I don't... pass out??? We can actually talk about it back on Earth. Just— enough that I'm not going to faint. And then we can get back to, y'know, celebrating.

Persephone Station

-Alice gives Gale a noticeable glare at that remark, but after seeing the effect it had, she seems to deflate somewhat, closing her eyes and sighing.-

Alice: ...That is fair enough. One moment.

-She waves a hand idly behind her, and suddenly anyone glancing over in the trio's direction would see nothing but a faint shimmer in the air and an illusion of empty space.-

Alice: There we are. Take what you need, since I doubt I'll be making any further use of my reserves today.

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.

-Gale was about to offer herself but backs down when she's pre-empted-

It's unfortunate that I lack my ancestor's boundless reserves...

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Motostoke Stadium

Kim: (to herself) "A Fennekin... well. That is particularly interesting. Rever's going to love that, too. Oh, and if you're wondering: Colton Kendall Rever and Amaterasu 'Ammy' Hikari-Rever. You'll know them when you meet them."

Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅

Persephone Station

-For a moment, Kai is about to take Alice's hand, but then her illusion reminds them of something, and they pause.-

Kai: ...You're. Made of Obscura. Your body's made of Obscura. I don't— what if it actually, physically hurts you? I can't— I don't want to hurt you. Not when you're one of the few people who'll still be around.

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Oct 1st 2020 at 8:24:24 AM

Persephone Station

-Alice gives Kai an attempt at a reassuring smile.-

Alice: I promise you, I've performed transfers before with no ill-effects. I am well-aware of how much energy I require to remain... whole, so to speak, and will alert you if you even begin to approach that point. The pain is minimal. You don't have to be afraid of hurting me.

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 1st 2020 at 1:30:07 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.

I'm also here if you think it's safer going for a conventionally-living source..?

-Gale coughs awkwardly-

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Persephone Station

Kai: ...I...

-They falter, looking back and forth between the two. Their hands twitch, seeming conflicted as to what to do...-

-And then they finally force themself to do something, and in a blur of motion, pull Alice into a big, life-stealing kiss.-

Persephone Station

-Alice barely has time to react before she's pulled into Kai's draining kiss, and her illusion ripples and nearly fades due to the surprise, but she quickly reciprocates. The two remain locked together for a good fifteen seconds before Alice eventually pulls away, blinking - looking faint and ever-so-slightly dizzy, though Aura Depletion may not be entirely to blame.-

Alice: ...Wow. Today has... certainly been a rollercoaster of emotions. Not that I'm, um, complaining...

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 1st 2020 at 1:56:01 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.

-Lacking really any good idea how to react, Gale just claps a little-

That was a real spicy smooch right there.

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Persephone Station

-It took about three seconds for Kai to realize what, exactly, they were doing.-

-It took another twelve seconds to finally push away, somehow feeling more faint than before they took Alice's Aura, and stumble back — leaning into Gale in the process.-

Kai: ...That just happened. Did that just happen? Did I do that? I didn't do that, did I? That couldn't have just happened. Hoo, boy, that's gonna be a conversation. I didn't mean to do that. Oh, gods, I shouldn't have done that.

Persephone Station

-Alice seems to waver on her feet for a moment, dropping the illusion around the trio in the process, before attempting to regain her composure. Key word there being attempting.-

Alice: No no no, that was wonde- I mean, um, you're fine. No cause for concern. As I said, I don't have the slighest complaint. Though, uh... there should probably be a conversation, yes. Perhaps sometimes later tonight. Or whenever you desire, honestly. I wouldn't mean to... is this station spinning or is that just me?

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 1st 2020 at 2:16:26 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.

-Gale is silent for a moment before bursting out giggling-

Sorry. Sorry I know this is probably a sore spot but like. Hot damn that's a good way to vampire...

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

The Persephone

Jonathan and Priscilla observe Kai and Alice kiss passionately, knowing full well the obviously platonic context and having no strong feelings about the event whatsoever.

Priscilla: Hey, Jon. Did you ever feel like you've been someone's third wheel this entire time but don't particularly mind it because of the sexual tension?

Jonathan: Ugh, all the time.

Priscilla: Yep.

Master Chef arrives.

Master Chef: The entrées are served ma'am. Would you and your boyfriend like refreshments.

Jonathan: Oh, we're n—

Priscilla: Yea, he and I are—-

Master Chef: You two are so tense, I'd need to marinate you with lava to achieve the desired tenderness. Shall I send you a list of the available vintages?

Priscilla: No, need for that. Surprise us. Do send those two a bottle of their choice.

Master Chef: As you wish.

[Cyrenaica]

The Procurator and his soldiers have captured a renegade [Amazigh] slave writing incorrect seditious graffiti and have forced him to correct their [Latin] grammar all over the walls of the Macraul Villa.

Procurator: If it's not done by sunrise, I'll chop your balls off.

Slave, fidgeting: Yes! Yes! Hail Caesar and everything!

Procurator: Hail Caesar.

From behind, the Omegas have begun to storm the Villa. Hundreds of armed rebels and their pokémon storm the estate, left defenseless by the panicking soldiers. Gale and Theodora tailed along, riding inside the time-machine litter thingy on Henry's back.

Seeing the chaos of the estate, Quintus, gladius in hand, rushes towards his grandparent's quarters as the slaves and legionaries flee.

Quintus: Come back and fight, you cowards. Are you afraid of a little sorceress!

Edited by MasterJayAM on Oct 3rd 2020 at 7:34:19 PM

Persephone Smoochin'

Kai: Y-yeah. Yeah, it's a great way to vampire. Uh. Hey, I promised you I'd show you an Aura technique, right? Now that I'm, y'know, not letting myself aura-starve.

-They attempt to steady themself, before grabbing their plate of hors d'oeuvres and staggering over to the nearest chair.-

Kai: ...In a bit. I, uh, need to process. Get my system flowing and all, y'know? With the new Aura. And stuff. Uh. Wow. Um, Alice, the, ah— conversation— should maybe, uh, wait, until back on the surface??

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Oct 1st 2020 at 9:30:03 AM

Persephone Station

-Alice blinks at Kai a couple of times, before words arrive at her mouth with seemingly no input from the brain.-

Alice: ...Right, yes, of course. The surface. I'll give you some space to, uh... process. Though if you need me in the meantime, you know where to find me. I'm always happy to be of service. Um, in the sense of providing services such as Aura transfer, I mean. I'm going to go over there now.

-She wanders off somewhat dizzily, possibly (literally) bumping into Jon and Priscilla in the process.-

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.

Motostoke Stadium, Gym Challenge Puzzle Room

Team 556 Point Count: 9
-Evelyn bends down to say hello to the Fennekin.-

Evelyn: Hello there.

Fennekin: Are you... a trainer?>

Evelyn: I am. My name is Evelyn... and my friend here is Ian.

Fennekin: <You seem like nice people... Would it be okay if I came with you?>

Evelyn: Sure thing. The more the merrier, as they say...

-The Fennekin does a cute little Squee, the way foxes do.-

Fennekin: Thank you! Also, Evelyn... How are you able to understand me?>

-Evelyn tilts her head and smiles as she reaches for a Poké Ball.-

Evelyn: That, my little friend, is a long story...

-Evelyn holds out the Poké Ball for the Fennekin, who touches the button with its paw. The Fennekin then glows a bright red and is pulled into the Ball.-

-Wobble-

-Wobble-

-Wobble-

-CLICK.-

Gotcha! Fennekin was caught!

-Evelyn hugs Fennekin's Poké Ball and whispers, "Kazoku ni yōkoso, Fokko-chan..."^* Welcome to the family, Fokko-chan...^note  Fokko is Fennekin's Japanese name.-

Team 556 Point Count: 11
Announcer: UNBELIEVABLE!! IAN AND EVELYN HAVE SUCCESSFULLY EARNED MORE THAN 10 POINTS!! THAT MEANS THEIR GYM PUZZLE IS A SUCCESS!!!

-Ian and Evelyn run up the stairs to the exit of the Puzzle Room, strike a pose, and then leave the puzzle room.-

Motostoke Stadium Lobby

Gym Attendant: Looks like the Gym Battle is about to begin. Follow me to your seat, sir.

Daisuke: Thank you kindly.

-Daisuke follows the Gym Attendant to the stands so he can watch the battle.-

Motostoke Stadium, Pitch

-Ian and Evelyn discuss their plan for the Gym Battle telepathically.-

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~Okay... so from what I can tell, Motostoke houses a Fire-type Gym. So we'll need to hit 'em with what ails 'em...~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~...Which would be Water, Rock and Ground type moves...~

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~Exactly... However, we don't have many Pokémon of those types, so we may need to improvise.~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~You're the one who has the Water-type Pokémon, so you'll be on heavy-hitting duty.~

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~Right. However, if the Gym Leader's hits are heavier, we may need to find a way to work around it. Possibly fighting fire with fire...~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~That means we have a lot of fire types that could use the exercise... Five between us alone...~

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~You're right... There's Hanuman, Mothra, and our new friends... Speaking of which... did you decide on a name for your new Fennekin?~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~Indeed I have. Sandra. It's a cute name for a Fennekin, don't you think?~

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~Yeah. It is cute.~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~On the topic of our new friends, what are you planning on naming yours?~

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~Actually, I have. I nicknamed my Litwick "Calcifer" after a fire being from a movie my Mom and I like. As for my Vulpix... Hmmm...~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~Hmm?~

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~I haven't decided...~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~How about Kitt? That sounds like a good name for a fox Pokémon...~

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~Yeah... Kitt... That's a great name. Thanks, Evelyn!~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~What are friends for?~

Me: -telepathically to Evelyn- ~Yeah... Now, let's go out there. We don't want to disappoint our fans, now do we?~

Evelyn: -telepathically to Ian- ~Let's go!~

-Ian and Evelyn nod to each other and step out onto the pitch, as ready for their Gym Battle as they will ever be...-

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

-Gale nods and steps over to her box of cookies-

Yeah I'll just... Calm down a bit while you process.

-She awkwardly monches on one of said cookies-

Ah heck yeah these came out great.

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.