ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Hammerlocke Pokemon Center, West

-Alice opens the door, looking somewhat more tired and slightly less put-together than she did a few days ago. Nevertheless, she gives Kai a small, awkward smile upon seeing them in the doorway.-

Alice: Ah, Kai, good to see you again. This is becoming something of a habit, isn't it? Please, make yourself comfortable.

-She gestures vaguely inside.-

Hammerlocke Center West

-Kai is slightly taken aback by the uncharacteristic state Alice is in currently, but offers a smile of their own.-

Kai: Hey. Hopefully next time, the circumstances won't be... what they've been.

-They enter, and are quiet for a moment as they take a final opportunity to run through everything in their head.-

Halis: "...Poffin-baking is one of the last things I would have expected you to be good at, to be honest."

Amidst the noise of the baking, Halis somehow snuck up close to Lucius, mysterious Honedge in tow. They seem more... tired-looking than usual.

?: <...>

It seems agitated, vibrating a bit at the sight of Lucius, but Halis doesn't pay it much mind yet.

Hammerlocke Center West

-Alice nods, and takes a seat on the bed.-

Alice: I would hope so too. Still, it is important for us to be open with one another, hence why we keep finding ourselves having this conversation.

-She smiles, but it soon gives way to a sigh.-

Alice: ...Before we start, though, I would just like to take a moment to apologise for my behaviour the last time we spoke. I was... overeager, I believe, and only concerned myself with the ramifications of our relationship insofar as they concerned me. I did not stop to think and ask what Brie's opinions on the matter were, or even how you felt about the matter, either in the moment or in hindsight. It was highly inconsiderate of me, and for my part I need to work on being more conscious of others' feelings, regardless of whether we go forward as partners or as friends. I hope I did not cause too much distress to either you or Brie.

Wild Area, Hammerlocke Hills

Lucius: GAH!

-Lucius jumps several feet in the air, nearly upending the entire batch of Poffin mix as he wheels around to face Halis.-

Lucius: Jeez, don't sneak up on me like tha- wait, Halis? Holy shit, it's been ages! I wasn't expecting to see you around here! I... how are you? How've you been?

-He doesn't appear to have noticed the Honedge floating behind them. Linhardt, however, has, and pads cautiously towards it with a curious, inquisitive gaze.-

Halis: "I've been fine... I found a new friend that's gonna help me get stronger. That's always nice."

Meanwhile, the Honedge takes a warning swipe at Linhardt.

?: <...Not you... the one as I am...>

Halis: "Hey, hey, calm down, what's gotten into you? You haven't been this energetic since... well, I found you."

Halis seems concerned about this.

Halis: "The one as I am? I don't know what that even means..."

The Honedge doesn't respond to this inquiry, but seems focused on Lucius more than anyone else.

Hammerlocke Center West

-Kai nods slowly as Alice begins, relaxing somewhat.-

Kai: ...I appreciate the apology. That gets a lot of what I wanted to bring up out of the way, and I'm thankful you recognize it now. Brie was... frustrated, but the two of us have smoothed that out between ourselves. Anyway, I'd likewise like to apologize myself — for the kiss, not because I think it was a bad experience on its own, but because I... admit I've been giving rather mixed messages regarding it.

-They take a seat in a chair nearby.-

Kai: ...The truth is, there's so much more to the equation than just, me kissing someone I'm not currently dating, or dancing around a mutual attraction, or any of that. As much as I'd like to pretend that it's as simple as just getting back together — which Brie is ultimately supportive of, as long as the communication is there — there's still baggage that needs to be unpacked.

-They tap the chair's armrest for a moment.-

Kai: ...When we broke up, you were entirely justified based on your understanding of my situation. I had clearly been keeping secrets, and failing to maintain proper communication, in addition to being obviously distressed in trying to maintain two divergent relationships. I will never say you were wrong for what you did, and why. But... that doesn't change the fact that it hurt. A lot. Because I was trapped in a helpless situation, and then immediately after the hope spot that came with Kahlia's arrest, you came to tell me we couldn't be together anymore. It felt... I felt forsaken. That's something I've just been keeping internalized for the longest time.

Hammerlocke Center West

-Alice listens to Kai speak, and is silent for a few moments after they finish, before giving a small nod.-

Alice: ...I understand. I am glad that you and Brie were able to resolve things, but... I should have realised there were larger issues at hand. I will confess, the way in which our relationship ended has been weighing on me for a while. It is the main reason I find myself wondering if I am fit for such relationships at all. Things did not need to end as... bitterly as they did, and the responsibility for that lies largely upon my shoulders. I blamed you for a situation you had been forced into. I was angry with you for what I saw as you keeping things from me when in reality, you had no choice in the matter. I pushed you away when when what you needed was support, and by ending things when I did - by keeping you at a distance, maintaining that silence in the aftermath - I allowed that hurt and pain to fester. I... I am sorry. I should have been better.

-She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath to compose herself. When they open again, they seem to be slightly watery.-

Alice: I want to do whatever I can do to help heal that pain. I promise not to repeat my mistakes and push you away in such a callous manner once again. You will always be one of my closest friends, and if you ever find yourself in need of support, I will be there. But... I understand if we cannot go back to what we had before.

Wild Area, Hammerlocke Hills

-Linhardt hisses and jumps back from the warning strike, which seems to suddenly alert Lucius to the Honedge's presence.-

Lucius: Whoa, what the hell was that?

Linhardt: <...That was uncalled for.>

Lucius: Wait, is it talking about me? Where did you even find this guy, anyway? Somehow when it says "get stronger" I don't get the sense that it's talking about doing a gym circuit.

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 16th 2020 at 1:14:14 PM

Halis: "In a cave. Someone told me about it, so I went and found it, and given the circumstances it seemed like a good idea. I'm sure it has perfectly reasonable expectations for getting stronger, don't worry."

?: <...Hunger...>

Halis: "I told you, we have food at home. Although, maybe that isn't a bad idea..."

At this point, the Honedge's interest in Lucius is more than obvious, and it starts to slowly approach. Halis doesn't notice this, having stolen a Poffin to eat.

Wild Area, Hammerlocke Hills

-Lucy doesn't seem to object to the Poffin theft (that's what they're there for, after all) but he does now have his eyes fixed on the Honedge.-

Lucius: Okay, that's close enough, Craven Edge. There's plenty of food going around, provided that you're willing to chill the fuck out and act like a team player. Right now, though, I am sensing zero chill. Except for, well, actual literal chills.

Hammerlocke

Kai: ...I never said we couldn't. I said that it wasn't simple.

-They go over, and give Alice a gentle hug.-

Kai: The kiss was a mistake. Our breakup was painful. I internalize things and make impulse decisions. You failed to see the bigger picture, both now and a year and a half ago. Those things are now on the table, after pulling teeth to say them. But even despite the difficulties... I still like you. A lot. You're incredible, and I admire you for so much. And now that everything is out in the open, I'd really like to think that we can make it work again.

-They smile.-

Kai: As long as Brie knows, of course.

?: <...Craven? No... that is a title better suited to your ilk...>

Halis: "Ok, that's quite enough, you can—"

Before Halis is finished objecting, the sash of the Honedge binds itself to their arm again, the blade drawn in their hands.

Frostmourne: <...Frostmourne hungers.>

Halis: "...T-this is bad..."

Now Halis is the one taking steps towards Lucius, their actions being manipulated by the ravenous Honedge.

Hammerlocke Center West

-Alice tenses as Kai goes over for the hug, but soon relaxes, easing into it.-

Alice: ...Of course. I... t-thank you, Kai. For what it's worth, I... my esteem for you has never diminished. The fact that you are willing to forgive me means more than I can say. I... I am immensely grateful for the privilege of knowing you.

-She looks up at them, shaking somewhat in their arms.-

Alice: And you... you're certain about this? I have no desire to find myself hurting you once more...

Wild Area,

Lucius: Halis...?

-Lucius takes a step back, Obscura beginning to coalesce around his opal arm as Linhardt raises his haunches.-

Linhardt: <And here I thought I would be spared from war in this world...>

Lucius: Okay, no more asking politely, now I'm serious. Back the fuck up. I don't want to hurt either of you, but you had better take those tendrils of yours off of my friend and crawl back into whatever dank cave you came from, or else things are gonna get real ugly.

Hammerlocke

-Kai nods, smiling.-

Kai: I told you I needed time to figure out my answer. And now I have. If you think it's better if we don't, I'll understand, but the offer is there. No more mixed messages.

Frostmourne: <...Do you see? See how quickly he's willing to betray you, take up arms against you... how I would not...?>

Halis: "H-he's only doing that because you're making me fight him, though!"

Frostmourne: <...He is within my domain... our domain...>

Halis: "..."

Halis stops for a moment.

Halis: "Then, if that's true..."

They cast off their scarf, reverting to their mon form.

Halis: <...No, this fight will decide if it's true or not. I hope for both of our sakes that you're not going to hold back, Lucius.>

They let go of Frostmourne, but the both of them point at him as though Halis was still holding it.

Halis: <I... no, we will not.>

They stab the ground with Frostmourne, which starts sending out a radial Blizzard from the point of impact.

Hammerlocke Center West

-Alice wipes the tears from her eyes and smiles at Kai.-

Alice: ...I see. In that case... I believe I have an answer of my own.

-And with that, she pulls Kai in for a long, passionate kiss.-

Wild Area, Hammerlocke Hills

-Lucius's eyes widen at Halis's remarks, and a flash of regret comes across his face.-

Lucius: Wait, no, I didn't mean- ack!

-As the Blizzard hits, the Obscura around his arm forms a shadowy barrier that shields him from the worst of the impact, but he and Linhardt are still buffeted by a hail of glancing blows.-

Lucius: Nnrgh... fine. If that's how it's going to be, then I'll break whatever hold this thing has on you the hard way. Linhardt, Wonder Room!

Linhardt: <There goes any hope I had of getting a decent nap...>

-Linhardt's eyes glow, and the area around Lucius's camp seems to shift and distort, Lucy's Obscura in particular pulsing with an odd intensity as he reforms the shield into a Shadow Claw and tries to slash at Frostmourne's tendrils.-

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 16th 2020 at 2:24:04 PM

Hammerlocke

-Kai hits send on a pre-typed text just before Alice leans in.-

-And then they close their eyes and savor the moment.-

Halis realizes what he's trying to do and takes the hit for Frostmourne instead, getting sent flying back from the impact but using Frostmourne as an anchor to stop themselves.

Halis: <I k-knew it. You're just trying to make me weak again... I won't let you. We won't let you! Not after everything I've had to do just to get to this point...>

Frostmourne: <...I will not be denied...>

Worked Up and rather aggravated, they fire off a Focus Blast at Linhardt and jump forward, Frostmourne preparing to Night Slash at Lucius as a follow-up attack.

Wild Area, Hammerlocke Hills

-Linhardt is blown backwards several feet by the Focus Blast, and though the damage is mostly concussive, it still takes him a second or two to recover. Meanwhile Lucius looks briefly horrified at striking Halis, leaving him open for Frostmourne to slash him across the shoulder and draw blood.-

Lucius: Grrngh...!

-He grits his teeth and clutches the wound.-

Lucius: Look, I'll admit I've never been a great mentor or role model or whatever, but I'm not trying to hold you back! I've been keeping my distance because I know I'm a shitty influence! I know I've let you down, but your creepy-ass sword parasite swung first! I'm trying to help you here! Linhardt, get them off guard!

-Linhardt's eyes glow again and he blasts Halis with Confusion, aiming to disorient more than harm, while Lucius darts forward with Shadow Sneak to try and get beneath Frostmourne's guard.-

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 16th 2020 at 3:04:37 PM

As soon as they hear "get them off-guard", they Bounce high into the air.

Halis: <That amateur-hour trick doesn't work when you call it out like that... and if you're trying to help us, honestly, just give up. It's that easy. You don't even have to do anything.>

Halis seems rather insistent on ending the fight now, as Frostmourne pulses a bit with energy.

Frostmourne: <...All that stand before us, shall fall...>

That energy makes itself loud and clear, a Sacred Sword in energy form being unleashed and thrown at the two of them from on high.

Wild Area, Hammerlocke Hills

-The impact of the Sacred Sword knocks both Lucius and Linhardt off their feet, and though Linhardt doesn't seem to be unconscious quite yet, he also doesn't seem to be in any hurry to get up either.-

Linhardt: <Perhaps I should just retreat...>

Lucius: Urgh... don't bother. It's not like there's anywhere to run to...

-He looks up at Halis and scowls.-

Lucius: ...Listen, Halis, I don't know what that sword is doing to you, but you know that I can be real stubborn when I want to be. I still have a whole team to fall back on. So... if you wanna do your worst, do it quickly. Get it over with.

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 16th 2020 at 3:59:41 PM

They land, walking over to Lucius slowly.

Halis: <Y'see, you have a whole team... but really, none of that matters. It's just you—>

They stumble a bit.

Halis: <...Y-you, me, and... and...>

They fall, planting Frostmourne in the ground after a couple more steps.

Halis: <W-what...!? But I...>

Frostmourne: <...Rise. I command you, rise...>

They try, but can't muster the energy.

Halis: <...C-can't even... do that much...>

Frostmourne tries to do the same, but realizes since their energy reserve is effectively intertwined, that goes for it too, and it simply ends up falling flat on the ground, leaving Halis laying down.

Halis: <...T-that's... that's what I get for overdoing it...>

Circhester, past

-To Channah-

Well I'm sure they probably have a more private one somewhere around here.

And now, our feature presentation...

Galar, Perhaps. Or Somewhere Else.

-The last few flaps of armor-clad wings heralds the arrival of a Corviknight taxi upon the soft soil at the base of the hill. It is raining outside, a terrible storm, from her seat within the cabin of the taxi Gale Knight felt sorry for the driver who had to make the journey in such inclement weather from atop the back of their raven steed. She sighed, adjusting the small round, red glasses perched atop her nose before opening the door and striding with purpose and haste towards the old manor house atop the hill. She hoped she wouldn't be alone, she sent out the text (though another more familiar name of course) asking for help with what she intended to do-

-She would need help to prepare this house for a proper Halloween party. It all came down to who else came to assist-

Alright folks who've signed up for this plot, you're up!

Edited by Pentigan on Oct 17th 2020 at 10:56:53 PM

Wild Area, Hammerlocke Hills

-Lucius closes his eyes and braces himself as Halis approaches... then, after nothing happens for several seconds, he opens them and blinks in surprise.-

Lucius: ...Huh. I was expecting that to be a lot more painful.

-He hauls himself to his feet, still clutching his wounded shoulder.-

Lucius: I'm sorry, Halis, but I can't just leave you here with this... whatever this is. I dunno what to do, but I've gotta do something. So... here goes nothing, I guess.

-He strides forwards and attempts to snatch Frostmourne up off of the ground... only to find himself telekinetically halted by a certain Alakazam.-

Lucius: Wait, what? What are you doing?

Maul: ~Stopping you from making a mistake.~

-And Lucius and his team are teleported away with a blip.-

Edited by Herbert40k on Nov 13th 2020 at 9:44:13 AM

The Manor. Somewhere in Galar

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night. Two figures were stranded not too far away from a mansion as a car broke down in the middle of the road. One—a young man glad tip to toe with outerwear—was pushing the car from the outside, the other—a young woman—was on the wheel steering it. In front of them was a girafarig doing some of the pulling. A gallade wearing wellingtons covered the young man (and himself) with umbrellas.

The young woman frantically waved her phone around, trying to look for cell service in the middle of the road. The car stopped in front of the mansion. The young man and the gallade walked toward the passenger seat. His body language indicates that he's still not used to where it should be.

The two of them entered the car.

Jane: You okay, honey?

Tommy: Eh, I've been in worse scrapes. Any luck?

Jane: Nope. I've waved it around as much as I could but it's impossible to get a signal here.

Tommy: Yeesh. Looks like we're stuck here awhile.

Jane: Maybe not. See that goth-chic house over there?

Tommy: Is… is that really the word you're going to use?

Jane: Awww… Tom-Tom afraid of a haunted house? How cute. Well, it's comforting to know that even superheroes get scared.

Tommy: That house is giving me all sorts of funny feelings.

Fred, the Gallade: ~I agree with Tommy. There's something odd about that house. And it's October.~

Jane: That's nothing we can't handle. Seriously, Thomas, have you ever considered that you worry too much and that this desire to keep things safe is putting a strain on your relationship with others?

Tommy: My *job* is to keep people safe.

Jane: I thought it was to sell my dad pictures of your tight ass.

Both of them chuckle for a bit.

Tommy: Well, there's that.

Jane: Tom, lemme level with you. This might seem like the start of some cliché haunted house shenanigans like we've seen a thousand times before—

Tommy: —it probably is.

Jane: But we don't have a lot of options right now and I'd take it staying in a car in the middle of a storm is far more dangerous than knocking on the door of strangers asking if we could borrow their phone to call for auto assistance. Also, you're dripping wet; I've seen you get the flu, Tom. It'll hit you like a truck. You need to get warm.

Tommy: Aww, you do care.

Fred: ~We keep telling her that.~

Jane: And I'm not worried whatever slasher film nonsense might happen. I'm not some helpless idiot who's just waiting to be the next victim. Big girl can take care of herself.

Fred: ~And we'll help.~

Jane: Of course you would. And we have Arachna-Guy with us, so why is this even an issue?

Tommy: Now I really don't feel so good.

Jane: I understand that it feels that way sometimes. You've lost a lot of loved ones and you'd never forgive yourself if something bad happened to them and you had the power to stop it. And Arceus knows what that did back when we were together.

Tommy: ...yeah.

Jane: I've always had a lot of faith in you. Don't let your self-doubt undercut your confidence like that.

Tommy: Gee, thanks Jane. That actually made me feel better.

Jane: And besides, I didn't need to date a superhero to get into trouble. That's something that happens to journalists when they call out powerful people.

Tommy: And now I know how Hank feels.

Fred: ~You don't know the half of it.~

Fred hands them the umbrellas. Jane summons him and the girafarig, Kiri, back into their balls. The not-couple approached the porch. Jane rang the doorbell.

They wait.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Oct 17th 2020 at 6:10:02 PM