Circhester Gym, past

Gordie: Go Stonjourner!

Stonjourner: -Appears- <These feet are gonna walk all over you!>

Gordie: Use Heat Crash!

Stonjourner: -Rubs its feet together until they spark before jumping up and stomping on Corvus, critting-

Corvus: @_@

Go Yew!

Yew: -Eyes widening, but in a faux-cute way, as she uses Cotton Guard- <Are you gonna smash me, Mr. Big Rock?>

Gordie: Use Heat Crash!

'''Stonjourner: -Jumping on <I'm gonna turn this sheep into mutton!>

Yew: -Doesn't take as much damage as you'd expect, as it's a contact Fire-type move combined with her Ability and stat buff- <Oof!>

Cotton Guard into Body Press!

Yew: -Fluffs up her wool even more before bouncing into Stonjourner- <Guess I'll be doing the smashing!>

Stonjourner: -Is brought down to a bit under half health- <Argh!>

Gordie: Don't give up! Iron Defense into your own Body Press!

Stonjourner: -Glows with a metallic gleam before slamming into Yew-

Yew: -Is brought down to a little over a quarter of her health- <That tickled, a little bit.>

Again!

Yew: -Slams into Stonjourner with her chained Body Press, fainting him-

Motostoke Stadium

Me: I think Hanuman knows two of those moves, but not the third... I wonder...

Motostoke Stadium

Kim: "Hm. I think you should try that sometime. Wonder how Hoops will react."

Motostoke Stadium

Kec hits Centiskorch on the front of its body just below the head, and slides down the side, still spinning, his Slash attack hitting the opponent dozens on times. Finally he reaches the ground and lands on his feet. He walks away, a little shaky and dizzy, as the giant pokemon falls to the ground.

The dynamax energy fades, and Centiskorch shrinks down to its regular size and form.

Hoops breathes a sigh of relief. "It worked..."

Kec waves. <I did it. I'm a little dizzy, but I pulled it off."

Behind him, Centiskorch picks itself off the ground and lunges at the chameleon pokemon, bringing its tail around for a Fire Lash.

Hoops reacts on instinct. "Sucker Punch!"

Kec spins around and ducks under the attack before slamming his paw into Centiskorch's chest. It is still for a second, then falls over.

Centiskorch is unable to battle! That means that challenger Hoops is victorious!

Motostoke Stadium

Evelyn: He did it...

Me: He overcame his fears and took Kabu DOWN!!!

Piku-chan: -crying Tears of Joy- <I'm so proud...>

Motostoke Stadium

(Kim grins broadly as soon as she sees that Hoops has won and turns to her Pokemon. Dirk is crying Tears of Joy and is holding his sleeves together while looking over at Hoops in admiration.)

Dirk: (in tears) "They did it... I'm so proud of them..."

(Peechee, meanwhile...)

Peechee: (delighted as always, and just as proud) <POBEDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—!! POBEDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—-!!!! YES—!! YEEEESSS—!!>

(He happily bounces around, laughing happily and maniacally, beaming with pride.)

Kim: (to herself) "My thoughts exactly. You did it, Hoops."

"An Arcade, just called Retrowave. It'll be up and ready in a few days, come back when it's more available."

Gio nodded, "Can do Gaia," he said. Jessie nodded and scrolled through a tablet, a subtle "ping" came in over everyone's phones and handsets. Gio smirking a bit, "Staging for certain, I'm keeping the Arcade up above, and don't worry it is soundproofed."

Roxy shot Shaun a quizzical look and then said, "Midna?"

She sighed, "So, where is our fearless leader?"

Suddenly over the bunker's intercom system came the sound of music, and then singing... but it didn't match the song... not quite. Then came the sound of footsteps, come down the hallway in a slight dance was a man in a sharp black suit, with red and gold accents, a golden mane of hair, wearing a gold coloured skull mask of sorts. He was followed by a Shiny Lucario with gold décor on its spikes, wearing what appeared to be a black and gold coat and slight black accents decorated across its fur.

The singing was coming from the man as he danced over, in almost a manic glee, before stopping before the party.
"The sharpest ammo's the sharpest of minds!
No compensation for the artisan kind!
I'm diggin' deep to find the thoughts within me!
Before I've fallen behind!
You can't control me!
I CAN'T EVEN CONTROOOOOOL MYSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLF!!"

With that last one he tore the mask off and gave everyone a good look at his face. Underneath was a beautiful angled face, golden hazel eyes observing the crew, and a evil smile that just seemed to say "I'm in control" stood before everyone.

Gio smirked, Roxy felt her heart beat faster as she stared at him, and then the man spoke in a smooth and even tone, "First of all, don't act dumb."

He took a deep exhale and suddenly his voice shifted, as did his mannerisms and facial expression, "Sorry about all that but I couldn't resist a dramatic entrance," the voice of Silas came through.

~You did well, practice makes perfect,~ Hacks noted.

Silas adjusted his outfit and looked over everyone, "I'm certain you all have many questions about the task ahead. I'll take you to the meeting room to discuss-"

"Hold up," Roxy interrupted, "First we gotta talk about your getup and look here," she said with a grin, "I'm certain everyone here has questions about why the Jackal is in disguise."

Arcade

-Shaun grins.-

Shaun(?): "In the flesh, babe! Just not my flesh."

-Shaun admires his nails to prove the point.-

-Cue Silas. Jessica applauds.-

Shaun: "Roxy, look what you did. You fucked up a perfectly good dog is what you did. Look at him, he has emotions."

Jessica: "Hmm, let me guess. This isn't exactly gonna be a moral high ground kind of op, is it?"

Arcade Bunker

-The bright woman gives some applause at the entrance-

So much gold, how decadent! Should I introduce myself?

Orre, Outside the Unfinished Retrowave

Emilie: Merci. I do believe I will...

-Emilie continues to walk on, down the dusty road, thinking that maybe there's something good coming from this trip to Orre after all...-

Edited by AnimeboyIanpower on Nov 18th 2020 at 6:08:00 AM

Arcade

Priscilla: Roxy, you've done the impossible. You actually did it.

Pris couldn't quite get any more words in. She was a touch distracted.

Murphy: Is it just me or did Jack get his appropriate dose of beauty sleep.

Priscilla: Obviously it's a lot more complicated than that. But the results are stunning.

Arcade Base

"Don't apologize for perfection," Ammy comforted.

Motostoke Stadium

Kec runs to Hoops and jumps up to them. They high five, then collapse on the ground together in exhaustion.

"We did it, Kec," Hoops says. "We faced our biggest fear."

<Did you have fun?> asks Kec.

Hoops frowns. "No. Not this time. I wish I did, but I still haven't worked out how to enjoy a battle."

Kabu approaches. "Young trainer, I must say you are one of the most interesting trainers I have thought. Truly, with the trainers I have battled today alone, I'm excited for the future."

Hoops does like a weak thumbs up. "Yeah, those were my friends. And my other friend is after me, so look forward to that. Hey can I get like a stretcher to take me away, I'm too exhausted to stand."

The gym leader stifles a laugh. "Sure. But first, let me present you with the Fire Badge."

He holds it out to Hoops, who can barely even lift their head, and so he has to just deposit it on their chest.

"Whoooo!" Hoops says, a little deliriously. Medical staff come out and lift them onto a stretcher, while Kec climbs onto their chest and begins to nap.

Orre, Retrowave Arcade Bunker

-Alice blinks at the appearance of "Coyote", and everyone else's reactions.-

Alice: Oh my. Someone's been taking his lessons to heart, that's for certain. Do I not get even partial credit for my role providing such tutelage?

-She chuckles.-

Alice: I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Though clearly I will have to work on my own getup and entrance in order to properly compare. As for the reason behind the disguise, I believe I know already - though if you are happy to elaborate for the others, Roxy, then that would be very much appreciated.

Motostoke Stadium

Me: That was a most impressive show Hoops put on!

Evelyn: And once Hoops leaves the pitch, it's your turn, isn't it, Kim?

Arcade

Des's expression didn't change after seeing "Coyote's" display. He seems to be managing him. Externally, anyways.

"...Right. Anyways what's the job boss?"

Roxy smirked, "Oh Alice, Silas wouldn't be able to act as well if it weren't for your... private lessons," she said as the grin grew.

Silas nodded, "Yep, wouldn't be able to fake it as well if it weren't for your help," he said stroking his gold coloured beard, shooting a smirk to Shaun, "Emotions is what I've always had. I'm just bad at expressing them."

~It's why he does the monotone, easier to handle,~ Hacks added.

Roxy grinned at Alice suggesting taking the lead, "Gio if you could please."

Gio nodded and stepped out of the way as a projector screen kicked up, "You are in fact correct Jessica. The raid we're going through isn't a moral high ground, it is after a pretty prominent location, the Brimstone Casino."

Silas regained enough mental energy to kick into lecture mode, "Built 18 years ago, it has had a prominent history as a more high class establishment despite the devilish theme it has going on. Our Raid will be against the owner and CEO, Michael Smith.'

"A few days ago, our leaders got a contact from a previous raid, she wished to remain anonymous but quite a few of us here already know who she is," Roxy continued, "She claims that Michael Smith is really the hunter known as Scratch."

The Screen changed to images of Scratch Grunts and the man himself, wearing a stylish black suit with a red mask with thick horns.

"Scratch is not a direct line Hunter and more similar to Sphinx, being a logistics type. Now we have only the word of a desperate woman on hand so we're going to be setting things up differently," Roxy finished.

Silas smirked at her and then continued, "The Team will be divided into two parties, Floor and Assault. The Floor team will be given identities and money to spend at the Casino, keeping a low profile and getting intel and domination of the security systems, if this is confirmed we'll set a date and then in comes the Assault team. Lead by moi, who will break into the underground vault and load up the 'product' of the guild and liberate it."

He looked over the team, "Any major questions so far?"

Edited by EchoingSilence on Nov 25th 2020 at 8:12:48 AM

Circhester Gym, past

Gordie: Not yet!

-Brandishing an Ultra Ball-

I'm not crumbling to dust just yet. We can still battle, let's go Coalossal!

Coalossal: -Appears-

Gordie: You know what's coming, like a giant mountain boulder! Hiyah! Gigantamax!

-Cue Gigantamax Coalossal-

G-Max!Coalossal: -Looms over Yew-

Gordie: Size means strength! Savor this pain! Coalossal, use G-Max Volcalith!

G-Max!Coalossal: -Smashes Yew with a giant rock slab whose shards fill the arena-

Yew: -Is brought down to the high yellow- <Ack!>

Baton Pass!

Yew: <See ya!>

-Glows before a ball of energy appears above her and she's recalled-

Cam: -Is sent out and grabs the ball, taking Yew's Defense boost-

Alright, now for our Gigantamax!

-Recalls Cam before sending him out again, now much bigger (even if most of that is the tail/sniper's perch)-

G-Max!Cam: <ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS!>

G-Max Hydrosnipe!

Cam: -Takes aim with his finger water rifle construct and fires-

G-Max!Coalossal: -Is brought down to the low red-

Gordie: Max Overgrowth!

Coalossal: -Fires what appears to be a Solarbeam but it makes mushrooms and grass sprout around Cam before exploding-

Cam: -Loses about a quarter of his health, on top of the G-Max Volcalith shard damage, as the resulting Grassy Terrain heals him slightly-

Alright Cam, let's finish this!

Cam: <ONE SHOT, ONE FAINT.>

-And shoots Coalossal in the head with the subsequent G-Max Hydrosnipe-

Coalossal: <AH CR-Explodes-

And that's all she wrote.

Gordie: -Recalling Coalossal- That was...impressive, definitely more the real deal than some weird TV show. Rules are rules.

-Getting out the Badge-

Here, take this Rock Badge.

-Taking the Badge-

Thanks.

Gordie: As for me, I think I'm gonna go sit in the locker room for a while.

-Leaves the arena immediately-

Arcade Planning Room

"Is this 'product' something that can be used to get Scratch incarcerated?" Ammy asked. "If not, what are we hoping to achieve by getting it?"

Edited by AbsentCoder on Nov 19th 2020 at 9:20:47 AM

Arcade Planning

"It's the Hunters we're talking about, the 'product' and why it is important is pretty obvious."

Bright girl lets off a little huff.

"Floor team for me by the way. Didn't get all dolled up just to put on a crime suit..."

Lilycove Shoreline

After having met the S3 way back in Viridian City in Kanto, Travis decided to adopt them for as long as they wanted to be in his company. After several months of his vacation ending and returning back to his job as a research assistant, his travels would take him to Lilycove City in Hoenn. Right now he's just chilling, lazing about on a wavy beach towel listening to his phone playing music (currently Humility by Gorillaz) without any headphones, clad in light grey and skyblue shorts, dark blue sunglasses and matching water shoes with a crumpled black graphic tee he's currently using as a headrest. He periodically looks up to check on Tricky the Manectric playing with the S3, usually just running around or digging into the sand looking for nothing in particular.

Lilycove Shoreline

The S3 meanwhile had been happy to travel with Travis for this time, a bit unusual for them given they normally followed their whims. Nevertheless though, they seemed happy enough following him, right now building a sandcastle on the beach near Travis

Circhester

-Looking over Circhester at the Hero's Bath and Route 8 beyond-

Far and wide the slain perished, days of pestilence came,

death took all the brave men away;

their places of war became deserted places, the city decayed.

The rebuilders perished, the armies to earth

And so these buildings grow desolate,

and this red-curved roof parts from its tiles of the ceiling-vault.

The ruin has fallen to the ground

broken into mounds, where at one time many a warrior,

joyous and ornamented with gold-bright splendour,

proud and flushed with wine shone in war-trappings;

looked at treasure, at silver, at precious stones, at wealth, at prosperity, at jewellery,

at this bright castle of a broad kingdom.

The stone buildings stood, a stream threw up heat in wide surge;

the wall enclosed all in its bright bosom, where the baths were,

hot in the heart.

It's believed this poem was meant to describe Circhester, as it was when it was just leftover [Roman] ruins. The works of giants crumbled, they thought, eaten by the weather and a sea of green. Or how Route 8 looks, the only legionaries being the Falinks who inhabit it. Endings come for everything, just like what we saw nine years ago in that other universe. Our civilization is no different. Viridian, the Verde. Celadon Octopolis. Long City became the Angelan Boneyard.

If I was to try seeing what became of Galar in that universe, would I see what that one anonymous poet saw more than a millennium ago? The city being reclaimed by Pokémon, those few humons too stubborn to leave trying to eke out a living amongst the ruins? I suppose I'll probably find out one of these days.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Nov 22nd 2020 at 5:00:13 AM

Lilycove Shoreline

After several minute of digging and seeming to disappear, Tricky suddenly bursts out of the sand near the S3 while surprisingly avoiding the sandcastle, having somehow figured out how to tunnel through it. Surprise b****s! She announces in pokespeak before violently shaking the sand off herself like a dog drying off. While some of this sand would fly towards the sandcastle, albeit in a small enough amout to avoid posing any real risk, some of it would end up hitting Travis in the face, causing him to suddenly sit up and cough before griping a bit. "You mind Tricky? Some of us have nothing to do today!" With that said Travis brushes himself off a bit before rolling over face down in an effort to shield himself from the risk of more sand.

Edited by ParadoxialStratagem on Nov 22nd 2020 at 10:34:27 AM

Arcade Bunker

Des raised a hand.

"Can I have a ridiculous over the top accent? Also do you have an [Mv C] cab upstairs?"