Mason's Doorway

-If Mason gets flustered, his illusion doesn't show it.-

Mason: You know me. I don't play by the rules.

-He glances down at Shaun's attire, which clearly has more thought put into it.-

Mason: ...You, uh, look good, though. Really good.

-His hand subconsciously twitches as a subtle diamond pattern appears in the threads of his illusory coat, subtle enough to think it might have been there the whole time.-

Mason: I'm, er. I'm plenty ready. But, uh, I might put on a real coat real quick under this because it's cold.

-He shuffles over to put his real coat on; the illusion briefly swirls out of the way like smoke, before settling back into place over the real deal.-

Postwick

-Kai gives Alice a discerning, slightly concerned look as she starts to get noticeably nervous at the prospect of flight.-

Kai: ...We can also take the safer route, if that's more comfortable, Alice. If flying isn't your cup of tea.

-She gives Alice a gentle hand squeeze, giving Brie a subtle glance-

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Feb 19th 2021 at 9:59:13 AM

Ballonlea

Star: Star. And yeah, you could say that. I've seen plenty of deep forests, and towns in deep forests, but none this bright, I think.

Circhester Stadium, Pitch

-After a quick patch up of her team, Agnes steps on the ice rink-like pitch.-

-...In fact she slides across on the ice, sliding past the challenger position in the center-

Agnes: Whoa! -laughs-

-she keeps sliding, until she bumps into Melony.-

Melony: Oof!

Agnes: -falls on her behind- Owwww... Whoops! Sorry.

Melony: -helps Agnes to her feet- Well, at least that drop's smaller than the pits. Right?

Agnes: -laughs, and gets back up- Yeah.

-The two trainers get into position across one another from the pitch-

Melony: -To the ref and Agnes- Whenever you're ready.

Refferee: Challenger Number 40, Agnes versus Gym Leader Melony! This will be a 6 vs 6 singles match, and will continue until one trainer no longer has any remaining Pokémon! Begin!

Agnes: You're up, Kurt!

Melony: Let's freeze them solid, Frosmoth!

-both trainers send out their respective Pokémon, and the battle begins!-

Stormchaser

Shaun: "Well, I always look good. But it's nice to hear it from you."

-He laughs quietly, almost under his breath.-

Shaun: "You look quite handsome yourself. Beowulf, you know where to go."

-He holds his hand out towards Mason.-

Shaun: "Coat's a good idea. Lumiose is no warmer."

Beowulf: <You're getting me a bottle of Yamazaki.>

Shaun: "I know, I know, 12 year-old. Don't see why you don't want Crown."

Beowulf: <It's swill in comparison.>

Shaun: "Oh shut up, you're like three. Every whiskey you drink is oldee than you. Just take us to Lumiose."

Motostoke

-Abilene walks, flanked by her hulking starter, until they're out of earshot-

Abilene: -sigh- Well, that was an experience.

-again, one barely-suppressed hair-ruffle, converted into a tentative shoulder pat- Was that to your satisfaction? Earth salted to your taste?

-hearing Lamarck- You're going to laugh—but my suggested tutor is a member of a Water specialist's team. Even she has better manners than that brat, however.

Castanea: -rumbling- <...you are the same age, young master.>

-no idea whether Gaspard can understand him—expects not-

Ballonlea

Logan: Logan.

-chuckle- I've...seen brighter. But it was so much less friendly than here, I really do prefer this.

-they watch the wild Chinchou with what appears to be genuine delight-

Not even a Trainer, really, but this Region has its own kind of appeal.

 J-Textspace 

-a noise faintly echoes through the Stormchaser's halls-

Stow-on-Side— The Stands

Kim: (pauses for a few moments, sniffs, then, in tears) "Well... I guess."

(She notices the battle happening in front of her for a few more moments, then turns away, still too sad to look.)

Stow-on-Side Stadium, VS Bea and Allister

Allister: Casting a healing water type move to guard against Will-o'-Wisp... Most impressive...

Me: -averting gaze- Well, we can do so much more!

Allister: As can we...

Bea: Falinks, use Bulk Up!

Allister: Chandelure, use Shadow Ball!

Me: -looking away from the battle- Raru! Use Shadow Sneak!

Evelyn: Mirai, Psychic!

-The Falinks Brass works up the Troopers and they assume several formations, boosting their attack power as well as their defense. Allister's Chandelure conjures an orb of shadowy power and flings it at Raru who doesn't notice it, and it hits him.-

Me: -looks at the battle- Raru!

-Raru does a backflip in midair and lands on his feet, a little shaken, but he rights himself and surrounds himself in a shadowy aura before punching the ground!-

-Mirai stares down Falinks as her eyes glow pink and she telekinetically throws the Brass at Chandelure.-

Falinks Troopers: <BOSS, NO!>

Falinks Brass: <Don't you lot worry about me! This is a battle! Getting scuffed up and roughed up is expected on the battlefield! Now, up an' at 'em, men! We used No Retreat for a good reason! So, LET'S SHOW 'EM OUR STRENGTH!!>

Falinks Troopers: <SIR, YES SIR!>

-Allister's Chandelure recovers from having an army puffball thrown at them and takes notice of Mirai, who uncovered her eyes.-

Allister's Chandelure: <Cha ha ha... I seeee youu...>

-Allister's Chandelure takes this moment of opportunity to get Mirai's attention and wave the flames on his arms in a sort of dance... Mirai notices this and begins to feel... strange...-

Mirai: <That's right... I forgot... Chandelure's still on the field... S-so dizzy...>

-The lights in Mirai's eyes begin to flicker like candle flames as she staggers in place slightly...-

Metropolis Of Vanity

Flamel: <Well if we have the Treasure I guess our job here is done!>

Shadow!Owen: ...Is my ideal... A lie? Does this world not need... my vision?

Royal: -sigh- Save it for-

-grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrUMBLE-

...Never mind we need to leave NOW

Mementos — Armory Path

-Grunt and Brute cringe from the severe pain of the Psychics they're receiving.-

╠════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ 
║████████████████▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓████████████████║ 
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

-As they're getting their bearings back, a boot out of nowhere is planted squarely in Kaguya's back, kicking her away from Daydre.-

-And with a surprising burst of speed that they didn't seem to utilize until after disappearing, they turn around and lunge at Daydre, aiming their hand at their neck with Aura swirling in and out of their fist.-

Robin Hood: ...I think we'd both prefer this to not go too far.

╓────────────────╢ R🅾BIN 🅷OOD ╟─────────────────╖ 
╠╡ AURA ╞════════════════════════════════════════╣ 
║█████████████████████████▓▓▓▓████████████████   ║ 
╠════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ 
║████████████████▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓████████████████║ 
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

-And they release, turning to look at Brute.-

Brute: <...Not lookin' too good...>

-Brute bounds away from Daydre and Kaguya to bound towards Omoikane, ready to smash into them with Payback. Grunt braces himself, knowing he's unlikely to last another round, and croaks. The sound manages to dissipate the mist, and further, seems to make the air uncomfortably dry.-

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Feb 20th 2021 at 4:06:22 AM

Ballonlea

Star: -tilts her head- Sounds interesting, wherever that is.

Star: You know, my little brother's trying to become a Ranger, too.

Stow-on-Side

(Ozzy turns to face Kim in concern, and is about to say something— and then he notices Mirai.)

Ozzy: (now focused on the battle) <Oh my. Oh dear.>

(Kim notices.)

Kim: (sniffles) "W-what?"

Ozzy: <It appears that one of Evelyn's Pokemon is rather dizzy...>

Kim: (her attention grabbed) "W-what?"

(Kim leans over to see what is going on, and when she sees Mirai, she blinks in concern.)

Kim: "O-oh no."

Stow-on-Side Stadium, VS Bea and Allister

-Mirai continues to stagger in place, putting her hand to her head in a gesture of sleepiness as Allister's Chandelure continues to dance the flames on his arms around.-

Allister's Chandelure: <You left yourself wide open, little Kirlia... now you've fallen victim to my power... it is pointless to resist... Now, sleep, little Kirlia... sleeeeep...>

Evelyn: MIRAI! TRY TO STAY AWAKE!

Mirai: -dizzily and sleepily- <Yes... Chandelure... I will sleep...>

-Mirai's eyes glaze over and slowly drift closed as she falls into a sleeping trance induced by Chandelure. Prone to falling over, she slowly drops to her knees.-

Evelyn and I: MIRAI!

Allister: Do you think it's time, Bea?

Bea: Falinks looks more than ready!

Allister: Then it is time! Chandelure! Use Mystical Fire!

Bea: Falinks! Use Close Combat!

Falinks Brass: <Alright, men! It's time to go all out! Sound the bugles!>

Falinks Trooper (Bugler): -sounds the bugle-

Falinks Brass: <CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE!!>

Falinks Troopers: <YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!>

-The Falinks Brass leads the Troopers in an all out charge towards Raru and Mirai, lowering all their defenses for the attack! Allister's Chandelure's flames turn an arcane violet color as he spins around, gathering the flames from his arms into the head flame and rotating his body to aim at Mirai and Raru to launch the mystical flame at them as Falinks charges in to beat them up.-

-In a split second movement, a Poké Ball bursts open from off of Evelyn's obi and a light jumps into a place to Mirai's side and pushes her, forcing her back into her Poké Ball. When the light dissipates, a Kirlia is standing where Mirai stood. The Kirlia's eyes then glow a radiant pink as a psychic field manifests around him and Raru, stopping Chandelure's attack and lifting Bea's Falinks into the air, Brass and all.-

Evelyn: KAKO?!

Kako: <I won't let you harm my sister!>

Evelyn: Okay, then. Kako, I choose you!

-Kako then turns the Falinks towards each other (still running in the air, by the way) and throws them to the ground. In that selfsame moment, a shadowy double of Raru appears behind Allister's Chandelure and punches it in the back before exploding. Kako then looks behind him and to Mirai's Poké Ball.-

Kako: <Sleep tight, Mirai-nēchan.^* "-nēchan" is an honorific used to refer to one's sister. I'll take it from here.>

-Evelyn then realizes that Kako might fall for the same trick that Mirai fell for.-

Evelyn: Kako! Don't look at Chandelure's flames! They could end up hypnotizing you!

Kako: <Don't worry about me, Evelyn. I know a little trick to getting around Chandelure's mesmerizing flames.>

Edited by AnimeboyIanpower on Jan 15th 2022 at 3:36:35 PM

S1B4, A Spy!

-Gale rolled her eyes behind the helmet, of course that was the case-

Well, we're planning on being successful. Do you have anything of use to us or is this just a little check-in with the new crew?

S?B?, Valentine's Day

-Gale is... Surprised at the note. After plucking it up she turns the paper in her hands a few times-

You continue to surprise me Amarin, even that you discard can find a way to where it's most needed...

Brimstone Casino

   I mean, I also came to this fight without Pokemon but honestly I'm just a lot better at this magic stuff than him.   

-He lets out a deep guffaw and listens to the request coming in over comms-

   Yes yes. Now, to do what comes at the end of every good performance: A deep bow...   

-Lord Rakdos bows, brandishing the scythe in his hands for effect-

   And to kill the lights~   

-He fires a gaster shot as many available light sources he can and shadowports away-

Metropolis of Vanity

Yep, got the map open so let's go!

-Rakash begins running, closely followed by Anthem. Mimic has turned back into Shift and is now riding on Anthem's shoulder-

Edited by Pentigan on Feb 16th 2021 at 3:17:51 AM

Stow-on-Side

(Ozzy looks on, intrigued, and Kim's eyebrows raise as she wipes away her tears.)

Ozzy: <Oh? A trick?>

Kim: "W-what exactly are they plotting, I wonder...?"

Metropolis of Vanity

"..." Daydre runs over, flicks Owen on the forehead, says "No, but that doesn't stop you from helping," turns, and starts running.

Mementos, Armory Path

Daydre is pretty easily blindsided by this, and she feels a familiar sort of panic as she recognizes the sensation of her aura being drained.

What is it about my neck that compels people towards it I'd really love to know

She fights back the fear (and fading consciousness) just enough to make a retort.

"We're here to help you, if you're going to be prickly about it that's your problem-"

.. It's probably a bit surprising she can get that much out, but you know, she's had practice.

Somewhere(?)

There is a few minute-long wait before the next message is sent.

Rowan: <Day, it's literally freezing outside.>

"....Indoor pools exist!"

She starts typing again anyway.

<A check in so to speak. See the latest crew attempting the delivery.>

<Wait, latest?> Silas asked.

<Well that's ominous...> Roxy added.

<Yes, you're currently crew number 9,> Morocco explained, <8 other crews have attempted to deliver this information to the Federation.>

"What happened to them?" Arthur asked, "Did they-"

<They weren't as successful to put it lightly. The Rebel Flagship is... difficult, they got caught,> Morocco explained.

"Can't we just transmit the information?" was Arthur's next question.

<Can't risk it being intercepted by the Rebels. And I can't ferry it myself as I'm not going anywhere near the front lines of the Last Stand. I'd be at more risk, you are on the most direct path.>

Silas nodded grimly, just seemed to be their lot in this situation.

<I'd advise you grab what you can and get out as soon as possible, the Rebel Fleet no doubt is aware of the black box by now and is performing a full sweep of the Sector. I only have so much time to answer any more questions?>

Silas looked to the Ditto, then back to his crew, and gestured for anyone else to ask away.

Metropolis of Vanity

R&L returned his blindfold, ready to return with everyone else.

He chuckled and removed it, sitting on Ahemait's back as he ran with the party.

Brimstone Vault

At Terra Prata's command Lamb began tossing trophies to the truck, reasoning that someone could better organize them; getting them out of here was the important part.

Stow-on-Side Stadium, VS Bea and Allister

Kako: <Right, so what I gotta do is...>

-Kako closes his eyes and starts glowing with a pink psionic aura, then he stomps his foot against the ground of the pitch, releasing a soft ripple of psychic energy throughout the arena.-

-When Kako looks around with his eyes closed, he can sense the thoughts of those around him.-

Allister's Chandelure: <Oh, so this Kirlia is the brother of the one I mesmerized... Well, then... I shall take satisfaction in catching him off his game and entrancing him once he opens his eyes...>

Bea's Falinks (Brass): <I dunno what the chandelier is planning, but I saw we go in for a head on assault... Or maybe a pincer maneuver... Though that wouldn't make much sense since we don't have pincers...>

Bea's Falinks (Troopers): Trooper A:<Once this battle's done, we should probably go get something to eat. What do you guys think?>
Trooper B: <Yeah, I'm all for food.>
Trooper C: <I'll get my frying pan.>
Trooper E: <Think the brass would like something?>
Trooper D: <It's my turn to set the table.>
Raru: <I sure hope Kako knows what he's doing... and whatever this trick is, I hope I can learn it, too...>

Allister: Chandelure! Use Shadow Ball on the Kirlia!

Bea: Falinks! Use Megahorn on the Ralts!

Falinks Brass: <AWRIGHT, BOYS! UP AN' AT 'EM!>

Falinks Troopers: <SIR, YES SIR!>

-The Troopers line up single file behind the Brass, whose horn glows a radiant green.-

Falinks Brass: <Company, MARCH!!>

-The Brass and the Troopers charge ahead single file, rushing headlong at Raru, while Allister's Chandelure charges an otherworldly orb of energy.-

Allister's Chandelure: <Cha ha ha! I'll aim at him from the left. He'll never see it coming.>

Kako: -thinks to himself- <That's what you think...>

Me: Raru! Use Confusion!

Evelyn: Kako! Use Shadow Ball!

-Allister's Chandelure fires its Shadow Ball at Kako, which Kako dodges with grace before countering with his own Shadow Ball. Raru's eyes glow blue as he raises his hand to meet Falinks' Megahorn, stopping the attack in its tracks and then throws the attack (and Falinks) at Allister's Chandelure.-

Allister's Chandelure: <B-But... HOW?!>

Falinks Brass: <Well, we got our full on assault after all!>

Stow-on-Side

Kim: "Well. This is... interesting, to say the least."

Ozzy: <Indeed it is. I cannot wait to see what happens next.>

(And then he pauses for a few moments.)

Ozzy: (thinking to himself) <I should probably tell all of the rest of Kim's Pokemon about her plight... It is rather concerning...>

Ballonlea

Logan: -perking up- Oh?

-if they were cheerful before, they're sparkling now-

Logan: -beaming- That's fantastic! I wonder if I know him, I haven't been back to the Ranger Regions in awhile...

Logan: -scratching their head, grinning Mareepishly- I'm half-on leave myself, half, uh…

-shrug- ...acting liaison to a traveling band of adventurers?

Addie: -to Julian, wry- <Between you and me, the J-Team could use a bit more diplomacy in the ranks.>

 J-Textspace 

-...-

-...-

-the exact length of time it takes to google a short phrase-

-such as, entirely hypothetically, "water in Galar"-

Megan: Oooh, good thing my wetsuit's clean.

Vee: <Meg.>

Megan: What?

Pippy: -bounding up- <I have a swimsuit all picked out for you!>

Megan: Huh?? When did this happen??

Pippy: -hushed- <Months ago.>

Vee: u_

Mementos

-Sorceress whips around, eyes wide as she sees Robin Hood draining Daydre's aura.-

Sorceress: "You shouldn't pick on the weak like that. I'm right here, after all!"

-Should it make Daydre feel better, "weak" is suppose to refer to Aura/Obscura.-

Sorceress: "I think you need to get away from her."

-She reaches out towards Robin Hood, palm out - in tandem with Nekomata.-

-And they both raise their hands up.-

The doors were busted down, a tricked out sports car in a black and gold colour scheme launched out of the debris, a lucario on its hood, a fist with a fading glow as it crashed down. It was followed shortly by two large moving trucks, they raced down the road, they would find themselves chased by motorcycles and muscle cars with a devilish theme.

Coyote punched the roof of his car as he put on some tunes, "Keep em running everyone! Anyone in the back, let's show em why the Argent Claw gang is getting away with this haul!"

Wolf cracked his knuckles as he felt the car jerk. The back of Terra's truck opened up, standing there was the Slayer, loading his shotgun once more... this would be fun.

Scratch got up slowly and coughed and wheezed, he could feel the bruising... he looked about, the invaders were gone, he was alone. He took a deep breath... this, wasn't good.

His radio crackled and he picked it up, "Talk to me?"

"The vault sir! It's been cleaned out!"

Scratch blinked, "What?"

"All the mons, all the product, the eggs! They're all gone! ALL OF THEM!"

Scratch felt his blood run cold, his face turned pale as his cracked mask fell off, the thieves only wanted the mons? WHY?!

"Am I to understand you don't have our supplies?" A distorted voice came in. Scratch turned around and saw... him.

There was a crackle and a unbroken monitor picked up, the icon of Sphinx appeared.

"You lost our product?" Delta asked, his tone even and unwavering.

Stow-on-Side Stadium, VS Bea and Allister

Kako: <I should probably teach Mirai how to do that for the next time she has to battle a Chandelure. It would definitely help.>

-Kako then opens his eyes and turns to face Raru.-

Kako: <Cool, isn't it?>

Raru: <S-sure is!>

Kako: <I can teach you how to do that, too... but first, I'll need to do a little something.>

-Kako kneels down and touches his hand to a point on Raru's head. He closes his eyes and glows with a psychic aura, chanting something under his breath. The psychic aura surrounds Raru as well as Kako. When the psychic aura fades, Kako takes his hand off of Raru's head. He then stands up (a bit too quickly) and staggers a bit.-

Kako: <Feel any different, Raru?>

Raru: <Y-Yes actually...>

Kako: <So... it worked?>

Evelyn: Kako... That was Heal Pulse!

Kako learned Heal Pulse!

Raru: <Of course.>

Kako: <Well, the move Mothra, Mirai and I can use, Psychic, is a more powerful version of it. Just forgo the confusion inducing effect for a stat-lowering effect and put more effort into it and you're golden.>

Raru: <O-Okay... I can do this...>

-Raru concentrates intently, his eyes glowing blue as they do when he uses Confusion, but slowly glow with a pink shade as they do when he uses Hypnosis and when Kako and Mirai use Psychic. Raru's concentration intensifies, and his eyes glow a mystical shade of purple as the power he uses for Confusion grows significantly. Raru then uses this new power to drag Chandelure back to earth...-

Kako: <That's the ticket, Raru! You know what you're doing!>

-Raru then raises his hand, lifting Chandelure higher into the air before lowering it quickly, slamming Chandelure into the ground.-

Raru learned Psychic!

Ballonlea

Star: -Also beaming- Yeah. He used to be a Camper as a kid so it kinda made sense for him to go that route, when you think about it. I'm just glad he found something to do he could be proud of.

Julian: -Tilts a little, antennae blinking slowly- <Diplomacy? What kind of diplomacy?>

Star: - her smile fades a little bit, and she takes Julian off her head and holds the Chinchou in her arms for a bit- ...I see.

Star: ...How is that going? How are they doing?

Brimstone Escape Sequence

Lamb held onto the top of the truck, giving it a pat and hearing the metallic echo alerting her animate partner.

"Lose 'em!"

With little more than that the Tyranitar kicked up a Sandstorm that constantly flew out from the truck, leaving the goods unscathed but likely getting in their pursuer's eyes.

Lamb, meanwhile, used her free hand to conjure a fireball, ready to fire at a motorcyclist the moment they made a move to attack.

Ballonlea

Logan: -grinning- If I can be so bold, it certainly is something—a bit biased, but I'm proud of h...

-Addie and Logan both blink, eerily synchronized-

Logan: -blankly- You're acquainted with them.

Addie: -headtilt- <Acquainted with the transformation, too.>

-they both shake their heads, settling into a friendly stance between them-

Logan: -gently, smiling- They're doing good. Honestly, they seem to be sort of chilling, now?

Addie: <We were first acquainted in passing years ago when they crashed that yellow airship of theirs through a mile of forest.> :P

Logan: ...and blew up a cliff face...

Addie: <And shot another, bigger airship into the sea.>

Logan: Cleanup was an experience. ^^;

Addie: <Their time here was much less eventful. I think Galar's been a bit of a break for them, really!>

Logan: Before this, they sort of…

Addie: -circling a claw in the air- <You know when the sky broke open and all the dimensions started spilling out?>

Logan: They fixed that.

Addie: <We, uh, fixed that.>

Logan: By fighting...as far as I can tell,

Addie: <...everything?> -wince-

Logan: So, pretty par for the course for them—us—from what I could tell.

Addie: -smile- <They're doing okay. Everyone's doing their own thing mostly, and as far as I can tell, no one's died, so.>

Logan: -smile- Yeah.