Stow-on-Side Entrance Room

Kim: "Indeed they do. Shall we get going, then?"

Flocessy Ranch

Kim: "Very well, then." (She turns to face the Ampharos family.) "If I may... could I have your names?"

Ampharos A: <Oh, yes, of course! I'm Cobain.> (He motions to the other Ampharos.) <This is my wife, Courtney.>

Courtney: (waving) <It's a pleasure to meet you.>

Kim: "I see. As in Kurt and Love, I presume. And who's the Flaafy?"

Cobain: <The Flaafy? That's our son, Hawkins.>

Hawkins: (waves) <Hello~!>

Kim: "As in Taylor. Fitting. That explains Grohl, then. Well, it was very nice to meet you three; I hope that we will see you again."

Paul: (waving) <Bye~!>

Strummer: <See ya, mates!>

(Cobain, Courtney, and Hawkins all wave back at her. Eventually, Kim turns to face Evelyn.)

Kim: "Alright, Evelyn, feel free to do the honors."

Mementos, Monochromatic Path

Me: Are you sure? I mean... We know very little about this place... And we haven't found a single person here besides ourselves...

-Beat, knowing his concerns might as well have fallen on deaf ears.-

Me: Ah, what the heck? I'm with ya all the way.

-Ian follows Kim through this path of the bizarre world of Mementos...-

Museum Brawl

Charge of the Lightning Brigade

Piku-chan: <Piiiiika-CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!>

-Piku-chan surrounds himself in lightning and fires a blast of energy at Malacostra's armor on the point Gimbal and Drake are focusing on.-

VS Malacostra

-Evelyn nods triumphantly to Arachna-Guy and then nodded smiling to Lileep.-

Evelyn: -telepathically to Lileep- ~Just tell me what moves I can call on... You, me and my friend, Ian, when he gets back... We'll make a great team.~

-Yuki struggles to get back in the air and she fires a subzero blast of energy at one of the metal cables, trying to get it to freeze.-

-Mothra takes note of what Yuki's up to and spits out a ball of flame at the point on the metal cable, trying to get it to heat up at as quick a rate as Yuki trying to freeze it.-

VS Salem

Salem: -smirks triumphantly- Looks like our ride is here...

Ian the Pikipek: I can't let you escape with what you've stolen! Oshawittle! Use Hydro Pump!

-Oshawittle nods to Ian the Pikipek and fires a powerful stream of water at Kuro, knocking him unconscious.-

Salem: KURO! You'll pay for that! HELGA!! USE HYPER BEAM!

-Helga lets out an ominous howl as she sucks ambient energy into her maw which concentrates into an orange ball of destructive energy. She aims at Felicia and Oshawittle with the clearest intent to blow them away in a single shot.-

Oshawittle: <Ms. Stacy! LOOK OUT!!>

Stow-on-Side Stadium, Lobby

Evelyn and I: -in near-telepathic unison- Ready when you are, Kim.

Evelyn: Hoops? Wanna come with?

Floccessy Ranch

Evelyn: Okay... Axon? Let's go back to The Wild Area...

Me: Yeah.

-Ian thinks to himself jokingly- If my parole officers know I'm not in the region, I'm as good as dead...

Axon: <Here we go...>

-Axon's eyes glow a pale blue as a circle of magical energy surrounds Axon, Evelyn, Ian, Piku-chan, Hatty, Kim, Hoops, and Grohl. A blue beam of light shoots into the air from the circle and within moments, they disappeared.-

-BWEEEEE~!-

Galar, The Wild Area

-BWEEEEE~!-

-A circle of magical energy appears in the Wild Area as a blue beam of light shoots into the air. Within moments, Ian, Evelyn, Piku-chan, Hatty, Axon, Kim, Hoops and the Mareep re-appear exactly where they left.-

Axon: <We have arrived back in Galar.>

Edited by AnimeboyIanpower on Mar 11th 2021 at 10:49:39 AM

Stow-on-Side

-Star takes out a pokeball, and sends out Felix. She holds up one of the cubes and the Milcery happily starts munching on it-

Star: I take pictures for Geographic Society's travel magazine. Mostly taking pictures of the various cities in Galar right now, and images of the current Gym Challenge group when I can.

Edited by stargirl93 on Mar 11th 2021 at 6:42:24 AM

Defiant Wing, S2B1

-Gale undid her helmet after stepping back onto the ship and sipped at her drink some more-

Alright Cap. I'll be in the galley promptish to help out.

The Space Bar, Nanotransen Station 13

-With the vistors gone, the Scissor and Ursaring settle back into their casual silence that filled the time waiting for rescue. Eventually, Bill speaks up-

Bill Bergson: <So where is that clown anyways?>

Rowan Croft: <The changeling? They were here when I ran flight tower for the previous ship.>

-The Ursaring takes a quick glance around the bar space-

Rowan Croft: <Oh.>

Bill Bergson: <Yeah.>

Rowan Croft: <Well, upside... We don't have to deal with them anymore.>

Bill Bergson: <Ah well, poor saps...>

-The two share a nervous laugh-

The ship had gotten a few upgrades in the last little bit, and had just come out of some combat encounters a little better off. The Defiant Wing had gained a cloaking device and had just gotten out of a rough combat round thanks to it.

Arthur cracked his neck a bit as he tossed aside remains of blaster weapons, "Not a bad run of boarding I'd say," He commented to Gale.

Silas slumped a bit, "That was rough... what's the state of the ship?"

"Several zones are requiring repairs Captain. This Nebula should keep us hidden for the time being, even if our own sensors are interrupted here," Bishop responded.

Silas nodded, he could handle this.

Monochromatic Path

(Kim looks around her surroundings for a few moments.)

Kim: "Well. This is... rather interesting."

(And then she sees the fight that is happening up ahead.)

Kim: "Oh? What is... what in the world is happening up there?"

The Wild Area

(Kim smiles.)

Kim: "Thank you, Axon. And now..." (She turns to face Strummer and Paul.) "Strummer, Paul... I think you're going to like this."

Paul: <Oh?>

Strummer: <What do you mean?>

(And seconds later, Jagger emerges from his PokeBall on his own. Strummer initially doesn't take notice of his friend's new form as Jagger proceeds to run around and release every single Pokemon on Kim's team from their balls: Sinatra, Dio, Kaylan, Geddy, Elton, Freddie, Orwell, Joel, Dave, Ozzy, Dalt, Peechee, Gallag, Gilmour, Boseman, and Grohl. Seconds later, the newly-evolved Jagger shows himself to Strummer and giggles.)

Jagger:    <Boom, baby! I evolved, Gilmour evolved, Boseman evolved, and—>    (and then he notices Grohl)    <Hey, who's this? New addition? Sweet! What's your name?>   

Grohl: <Grohl. Nice to meet you!>

Jagger:    <Grohl? As in Dave? Nice! Heh, we have both a Dave and a Grohl on our team now...>   

Strummer: <You're right, we do. Also—> (he suddenly becomes far more excited as he notices what happened to Jagger) <HOLY CRAP!>

(Seconds later, he jumps onto Jagger.)

Strummer: <Jags! You evolved, mate! Congratulations!>

Jagger:    <Aww. Thanks.>   

Elton: (excitedly bouncing over to Boseman) <And that's not all...! Boseman's evolved too!>

Ozzy: <Indeed he has!>

Geddy: <Congratulations, Boseman.>

(Boseman bows. Dio, meanwhile, goes up and approaches Gilmour.)

Dio: <Wait a second... Gilmour evolved too?! W-when did that happen?!>

Kim: "During the Gym Battle at Stow-on-Side."

Joel: <Stow-on-Side? Wasn't he going to die in Stow-on-Side?>

Grohl: (unaware of what happened before he was caught) <H-huh?! What?! One of Kim's Pokemon died?!>

Sinatra: <Well, that's what we heard, anyways. Also, who are you?>

Grohl: <Oh, I'm—>

Freddie: (startled) <G-GAAAH—!>

(He runs off and starts shaking. Geddy and Gallag turn to face him.)

Geddy: <Freddie? Are you okay?>

Freddie: (shivering) <No... nonononono... t-that... that's a Mareep... it's probably got Static as its ability... meaning i-it... it c-could paralyze you...!>

Dalt: <It's okay, Freddie! He seems friendly! He will not paralyze you! I am a Boltund and I did not paralyze you!>

Sinatra: <He has a point there.>

(Orwell and Peechee look at each other.)

Orwell: <Should we talk to him?>

Peechee: <Yes. I'll itty viddy if I can't give him a peecheen.>

(Orwell nods. Grohl, meanwhile, is mainly focused on Freddie.)

Grohl: <Hello, Drizzile!>

(Freddie immediately runs to hide.)

Gallag: <Dude, he's probably fine.>

Kaylan: <Yeah, he doesn't seem hostile. He's just a Mareep.>

(Grohl tilts his head and approaches Freddie.)

Grohl: <Hello? Are you okay?>

(Freddie immediately puts his grippers on his head, trying to hide away from Grohl.)

Freddie: <D-don't... don't hurt me... please don't hurt me...>

Grohl: <Oh, no! Nononononono! I'm not going to hurt you! It's fine!>

Elton: <Yeah! 'E seems perfectly fine; come on out, Freddie!>

(Freddie just shakes.)

Freddie: <A-are you sure you won't hurt me... or my friends...?>

Grohl: <Of course not! Here, I'll show you.>

(He approaches Freddie cheerfully, and the latter shrinks away.)

Freddie: <NONONONONONO—!>

(But it is too late. Grohl jumps on top of Freddie. The latter blinks.)

Freddie: <O-oh... huh... t-this is actually quite nice... it feels really soft...>

(And then he reaches out with his gripper to touch the wool— and gets shocked.)

Freddie: <GAAAAAAAAAAAHHH—! ItakethatbackItakethatbackItakethatbackpleasedonthurtmeeee...!>

Grohl: <Nonononono! I-it's okay! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—>

(Freddie says nothing and starts bursting into tears. Sinatra rolls his eyes.)

Sinatra: <Aaaand here we go again.>

Geddy: <It's okay, Freddie... Grohl didn't mean to hurt you...>

Freddie: (squeaking) <I know...>

Circhester, Hero's Bath - Valentine's Gay

-handholding; you love to see it-

-squeeeeze-

-...-

-...-

Megan: -...nerve-musing, swinging hand slightly- What would Vee do...?

Vee: -squinting through lens- <Oh no, I know that face.>

Pippy: <What?>

<<I legitimately have no idea why you'd wan' my advice on romance anythin'. Do yer own thin'!>>

-this inserts itself neatly into her thought processes, editing-

Megan: What wouldn't Vee do…?

-...-

Megan: …

Megan: ...this kinda reminds me of home, heh.

-she kicks her legs- The seas're a lot colder 'round there, but inside a Dive bubble it's nice and warm and quiet. Don't think I ever got permission to do that...but eh.

-said with such an air of shy mischief, squeeze-

-curious- ...oh wait, you're from Pastoria too, right…? :?

Ballonlea Gym, Interim Zone

-that sure is a lot of fluff-

-...on the way out, someone may bump into Apple-A-Day-

Someone: 'scuse me.

-a glimpse of black hair, gray cardigan, and purple eyes, but she and her spandex-inspired double-take keep walking-

Somewhere Screen-Watching

Abilene: ...I'm sorry, the werehair-hat-mon did what?

Sorbus: <Oof.>

Abilene: I project a certain, image, I'm aware,

Sorbus: -vine-nudge- <You should enter with your friends!>

Abilene: ...why in Xerneas' sparkling glade would I appear in public with those—

-d u r a l u d o n-

Sorbus: <...to deal with that?>

Abilene: ...

Sorbus: -blinking- <...tall metallic bipedal creature, pale gray and spiky, with hands like drill bits...>

-Pokédex-poking- <...growing into a building-sized tower dragon, notably resistant to earthquakes and glowing with profuse blue energy that wearies what it comes into contact with?>

Abilene: ...I'll consider it.

Sorbus: -reproachfully- <Or you could have invited your brothers! We never see them any more.>

Abilene: ...I really don't think they'd be interested—

Lanatus: -whispers-

Abilene: ...that's the sort of operation I'd expect from our aquatic companion.

Sorbus: <Lovely tandem tactic.>

Abilene: -shrug- Insufferably clever, really, beyond that.

Stow-on-Side, Market

With Felix out, Loran stopped bumping against Sar's leg, instead going over to them, chirping happily besides them. Sergey meanwhile leaned back upon hearing what Star did, smiling while looking into the sky idly

Sergey: "That does sound awesome~ It brings you to all kinds of cool places, doesn't it?"

He asked.

Loran meanwhile continued to chirp happily.

Loran: <Friend~?>

Natural History Museum, Salem Time

Fred jumps in and puts himself on the path between Felicia and Oshawittle. He then casts protect, hopefully to draw impact away from his compatriots. No one messes with his trainer and her friends. Not bullies. Not randos. And definitely not arch-criminals engaging in identity theft.

Even if it did hit, it turns out that any small victories Salem earned are short lived. In what seems befitting a museum, the stomping of an angry Tyrantrum and Rampardos arrive at the scene, followed by an archeops. Arriving with them is a trainer in a beautiful black dress.

Stephanie Hawthorn: Ta-dah!

Jane: Steph, you look absolutely fabulous. What took you so long, though?

Stephanie: Evacuation protocol. Gotta help Museum security get everyone out. And girrrrl, you know I don't kick bad guy butt without lookin' fierce. Okay fellas, use ancient power on that villainous—hey, wait-a-minute, did Ian turn evil?

Jane: Oh, you met Ian? No, that's not him. Identity theft. Help me and the superhero kid fight them off and—uh—save him!

Stephanie: Oh. Identity theft, eh? Not cool. Well then. Dinosaurs, you know what to do.

Chris (the archeops), Meaghan (the tyrantrum), and Thatch (the rampardos) all use Ancient Power directed at Salem's houndooms.

Chris: <What up, Bird-Boy!>

Natural History Museum, Malacostra time

Malacostra: Okay, newsflash, this is insulated. We've establi—

Malacostra's suit seems unaffected at first, but something starts to smell like burning rubber.

Malacostra: Oh shit.

Dorito, the Golisopod, is knocked out, having stood near Malacostra this entire time. Malacostra's suit begins to short out and shut down, trapping the villain inside and causing her immense discomfort.

Arachna-Guy: Okay, that one's a bit too low for me to catch, and Aranos and I are a bit too tied up at the moment.

And they were. They were a few meters up and are trying to wrest the rest of the baggage from going up through various polymers and webbings they've stuck to the wall. As if it weren't enough, Arachna-Guy and Aranos were also pulling at it.

Lileep: <I'm apparently something they called "grass". I can also vomit acid at things if need be.>

Zelda: <Meanwhile, I can do this!>

Zelda fires an aqua jet followed by brine at the dwebble and barbaracle.

Zelda: <Y'all should've never left the water, crustaceans.>

She turns to Hoops and Cof.

Zelda: <Thanks for saving my mom's fossil. Take good care of my dad for us, will you? We've gotten fond of his sense of humor.>

Shinji: <Nice little family reunion we've got here, but would somebody flip me up!>

The Final Frontier in a New Dimension

Shutter: I feel a disturbance. Something isn't right.

Phineas, via Phone: Wait, I did exactly what you said and did shots that were outright excellent. And all of a sudden you're getting a weird feeling. Am I not preternaturally talented.

Shutter: Talent only blossoms under a good teacher. Look, that detour at the Space Bar didn't seem all that exciting cinematography wise.

Phineas: What? There's a pair of Pokémon in there doing decidedly human-associated things. That will turn heads at home.

Shutter: But people won't be able to understand a word they're saying.

Phineas: Where is your sense of whimsy, Herr Albright. They're in space in a bar set in space. That should count for something, ja?

Beat.

Phineas: I have so much respect for Mrs. Petersen now.

Shutter shrugs and drinks his hot cocoa.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Apr 2nd 2022 at 11:46:18 PM

Faction Offices, Orre

-Once again, there's that ever-so-faint hint of red across pale, freckled cheeks.-

Alice: I guess you'd better get right to it, then. Though once you're done, I don't suppose you'd be willing to put in the extra work to walk me back to my apartment? I have been known to let time get away from me and linger overlong after work hours, so I could do with someone to ensure that I get my beauty sleep. Perhaps even with some time to spare beforehand.

-She grins back at Kai.-

Faction Offices

-Kai's grin only widens further-

Kai: Was that not part of the deal already? Of course I'll hold you accountable for your own rest. I know you well enough to know I'll need to.

-She smirks, and stands up.-

Kai: But holding corrupt cops accountable comes first. I'll talk to you more later.

Faction Offices, Orre

-Alice leans back in her chair, still grinning.-

Alice: Oh, of course. Quite frankly it's unprofessional of me to keep you detained here in my office for as long as I have. And as much as I would like to indulge in further unprofessionalism, there is always work to be done, so... perhaps we can save that for after hours.

-A faint, groaning voice is audible through the door.-

Lissa: Oh lolloping legends get a room you two

Faction Offices

Kai: Indeed. See you then, love.

-She winks again, and turns to leave, opening the door and striding right past Lissa, her smirk not leaving her face.-

Circhester, Yeah

Daydre laughs a little.

"Oh, uh, yeah actually. Small world huh? I don't think I really went swimming in the sea around there much, though." She says, glad that she can now think about something other than her own nervousness.

"I usually only went to the beach on vacation with my parents or while travelling. Though, now that I think about it that's kinda weird, huh? What makes one kind of water better than the other? I know temperature's a thing but the sea would probably warm up at least a little during the summer wouldn't it?"

Mementos, Monochromatic Path

Well, here we go! Dunno if she's going to do something weird so I guess it's attack time?

Daze summons Huli-jing, who disappears and reappears near one of the Houndoom demons, attempting to attack it from its (metaphorical) blindspot.

Defiant Wing, S2B5

-Gale slumped against a wall, disengaging her helmet-

Yeah, hell of a workout. I'm getting slow...

-After a few moments she staggers back onto her feet-

Alright, I'm gonna grab a repair kit and check the underworks. Lemme know on comms if you need me for anything else.

Wilmont Industrial Park

CW: Someone gets slapped by their boss.

-Gale takes a step back from the door, hoping that her little pen-made listening rune doesn't go noticed. She finds an empty cubicle and takes a seat to make herself look busy while she listens in on whatever is happening in that conference room-

Sponsor Handler: Crowley, the market just doesn't have a place for this... The die-hard vegetarians and vegans aren't going to trust us just saying 'no mons were harmed in the making of this meat' and the production costs and timeframe far exceed regular products.

~There's a faint slam; open hand against wood, probably a table~

???: Then make a place for it! The culture is the future of meat production so show the public why they need to buy it. I've got the factory in [Ballarat] set up for full production.

Sponsor Handler: I've read the lab reports, it's far more time and cost-effective to continue with our existing supply deals with Plethron—

???: Plethron is a Mandibuzz!

~Another slam; more forceful, still against wood~

???: They're circling overhead just waiting for a chance to come in with a merger. And I can bet that if we're acquired by Plethron there's not going to be any place for you or me or any of the Zagan brands in their hoofy poofy 'nature first' style of things! They've been bottlenecking our supply and breathing down our necks for years and getting the meat growing online and viable means we can finally cut another one of their goddamn supply chains tying us down.

Sponsor Handler: James...

??? (James Crowley): And of course, it's our way in on Stormfall. When Stormfall hits, we have to show we're ready for the future. All the soft drinks and candy bars and kibble in the world doesn't matter if Stormfall hits and we have no way of joining in without relying on Plethron. This is the future, Karen! Make the public believe it...

Sponsor Handler: James. This is just not... It's not viable, at least not yet. You're trying to push this and we don't even have long-term lab results for possible side-effects! We have time before Stormfall; get Vali to perfect the formula and the process and then—

~Slam; softer, open hand against flesh. Everything goes silent~

James Crowley: I... I'm sorry. I'm going to... You should call my secretary, tell her what's happened she'll organize some compensation. Again I'm... Sorry. Boiled over. Take a day if you need it.

-The door opens quickly as a man in a well-tailored suit tensely strides away deeper into the building. The door itself remains ajar for about a minute before the Sponsor Handler just kind of slips out of the room and looks around-

Sponsor Handler: ... Gale? What are you doing here..?

-Gale Knight twitches and turns in her chair to regard the handler-

I... I thought you were leading me out so I followed you but then you went into a meeting so I kinda just... Took a seat to wait. You two were pretty loud in there, is everything okay?

Sponsor Handler: Yeah, uhm... I'll uh... Follow me I guess.

CW for more racism.

Mementos, Monochromatic Path

Mokele-Mbembe: -Summons a Protect to block the Flamethrower, but the barrier barely holds on-

Pink! Intel please!

Pink: <Okay, Lambrakis has become Hel, queen of Helheim. Fire/Ice, has As One for an Ability, combining Ice Face with Summoner, which allows her to summon these demons. Her unique move is Freezer Burn, does Fire and Ice damage and can also cause burns.>

Ariadne: -Having Arachne use X-Scissor on one of the Houndoom-

Pink: <The Houndoom demons are called Helhounds. Same typing as most Houndoom, with Flame Body as their Ability.>

Helhound #1: -Is destroyed by Arachne making a lucky crit-

Hailfire Queen Hel: -Just looks contemptuously at Anthem and Songstress as Eris and Amphitrite's attacks connect, the former managing to break her ice shell, before firing a Freeze Dry in their direction. The cold of the area then allows her to remake the ice shell- <Almost as bad as darkie over there.>

Helhound #2: -Is hit by the Foul Pay, but due to its Dark-type resistance it doesn't take much damage-

Hel: -To Daze, regardless of if her other move connects, as yet another Flametrower is fired in my direction- <I don't have any cats for you, so maybe you'd like some more dogs!>

-Two more Helhounds are then summoned, who try attacking Huli-jing with Sludge Bombs-

-It may become clear that the assorted demons appear to be targeting the humans in particular-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 11th 2021 at 9:37:00 AM

Mementos, Monochromatic Path

Me: What did you find, Kim?

-Ian runs over to Kim and takes in what she sees.-

The Wild Area

Axon: <You are welcome.>

Evelyn: Looks like the team's gonna need some time to get used to Grohl...

Museum Brawl

VS Salem

Ian the Pikipek: It's a pleasure to meet you again, Stephanie. -to Fred- Thanks again for protecting Oshawittle and Felicia. Now, we have work to do in stopping these Hunters.

-Ian the Pikipek then turns to Jane.-

-Helga gets hit by the Ancient Power attacks and falls unconscious.-

Salem: Helga! Return.

-Salem calls Helga back to her Poké Ball.-

Salem: You heroes are starting to bug me, so I think it's time I crush you all here and now!

-Salem prepares a third Poké Ball.-

Salem: End this pitiful battle... MARION!

-Salem throws the Poké Ball and out comes Marion, a Banette who is more than eager to battle.-

Marion: <Fuwahahaha! I'm ready...>

Ian the Pikipek: A Banette?

-Ian the Pikipek takes out his Pokédex and checks the data on Banette.-

Pokédex: Banette, the Marionette Pokémon and the evolved form of Shuppet. A Ghost type. A cursed energy permeated the stuffing of a discarded and forgotten plush doll, giving it new life as Banette. The Pokémon's energy would escape if it were to ever open its mouth. It is seen in dark alleys and seeks the child who abandoned it. Some say that treating it well will satisfy it, and it will once more become a stuffed toy.

-Marion stands before the heroes... menacingly...-

VS Malacostra

Evelyn: Very well... Lileep! Use Acid on those metal cables!

-Yuki and Mothra continue to aim their Ice Beam and Ember attacks at a metal cable in the hopes of getting it to crack under the strain of the repeated changes in temperature.-

Mementos, Monochromatic

Daze mutters something rather uh... heated under her breath about moral relativism and has Huli-jing relax for a second. As the attacks are about to hit she jumps out of the way, though one of the Sludge Bombs ends up grazing her leg.

I am not getting poisoned again, nope nope nope-

Mementos

-Amphirite cries out from the frost freezing across her spectral body.-

-It doesn't take much effort for Songstress to figure out why she's not targeted.-

Songstress: <Move!>

-Amphirite raises her arms and launches a wave of water.-

Stow-on-Side

Star: -Nods- Yeah. I think one of my favorite things about being a Trainer was getting to see new places and meeting new people, so I'm glad that my job lets me continue doing that.

Felix: <Friend!> :D -He nudges Star's hand with the cube towards Loran.- <Want some?>

The Velvet Room

-Three sharp beeps ring in Rogue's ears from their helmet, an uncomfortable and headache-inducing wakeup call. They groan, and sit upright, blinking their eyes to clear their vision and see their helmet's interface more clearly.-

...Did I really fall asleep in costume? And I don't even remember it.

Really don't like that I don't remember it.

-Their helmet beeps again, and Rogue cringes. For a moment, they move to take the helmet off, only for their arms to be held just out of helmet reach by chains. At that point, the prison cell around them, and the individuals just outside the bars, clarify in their vision, and panic starts to set in.-

Caroline: <Finally awake, inmate? It's about time.>

Justine: <Please try not to struggle too much. We know your secret identity is meaningful to you, so we allowed you your helmet to keep you protected.>

Caroline: <Not that you deserve it. Why should we give this prisoner special treatment?>

Igor: Caroline, please. The path to this trickster's rehabilitation is deeply intertwined with their secrecy.

-Rogue cringes again as the beep blares in their ear.-

Rogue: Agh... what's going on? Where— why— how did I get here? Who are you?

Igor: Ah, yes, my apologies. Welcome to my Velvet Room. I am Igor, and these are my assistants, Caroline and Justine.

Caroline: <Pretty hypocritical to demand we introduce ourselves if you're hiding who you are, isn't it?>

Rogue: ...

-Rogue sighs-

Rogue: ...Okay. Velvet Room. I... remember being told about this place.

Igor: Indeed. The Phantom Thieves recently took something of an interest in you, trickster. You've recently found yourself falling into dangerous habits, have you not?

Rogue: Ack! But— wait, no, Rose doesn't— there's no way she knows about... I haven't told her anything.

Igor: Indeed, she doesn't know. Others have taken note, though, and made an effort to help you as they could.

-He clasps his hands together.-

Igor: However. It takes much more than a single event to break a vicious cycle. And though your inner self passed on the opportunity to join them, I'm sure you will find it is a vital step toward finding rehabilitation.

Justine: However, this is merely a dream. The restraints you have here will be gone when you wake up, and the path you choose will be yours alone to decide.

Rogue: ...I don't...

-They struggle against the chains for a moment.-

Rogue: I can't. Not another thing on top of... everything else.

Caroline: <Is that so, inmate? Disrespectful!>

Justine: If that is what you choose. We are merely giving you the tools to take your fate into your own hands.

Igor: I hope you take the time to consider this offer, then, trickster. I wish you good luck.

-Rogue winces as the beeping starts again, more rapidly, and doesn't stop after three. They cringe and shut their eyes through the unbearable noise.-

Rogue: I can't...

-The beeping goes on, slowly fading out as their consciousness drifts to darkness...-

Alice's Apartment, Pyrite

Thanks Herbs for providing Alice dialogue :P

-Kai jolts awake, hyperventilating and clutching at their temples as a headache stabs at the back of their head. The sudden burst of movement also happens to disturb the woman lying next to them, who opens one eye.-

Alice: Mrrm... is everything okay, love?

-Hearing Alice's voice marginally helps her process reality again, enough to slow her breathing. It takes her a while to form a response, though, through the headache.-

Kai: ...I-I'm. I'm okay. I'm okay. I... bad dream. Migraine. I-I'll be right back.

-She shuffles out of bed to quickly grab some painkillers, then sits back down next to her, staring out hazily to let them kick in. By this point Alice is sat up in bed, with the instant wakefulness of someone used to crisis situations and concern in her eyes.-

Alice: ...I know that tone of voice. Are you quite sure you're alright? In my experience, any nightmare that sends one rocketing out of bed has a tendency to leave lingering effects, be they physical or emotional.

Kai: ...

-Kai pulls a blanket over her shoulders, shaking a bit-

Kai: ...R-Rogue. In a prison. In— in chains. There was— beeping. Low power beeping.

-She stares at the alarm clock in the corner for a moment, at the bright red 3:35 on the display.-

Kai: ...Can I— turn that off? So it doesn't beep. In the morning.

-Alice blinks, then nods.-

Alice: Of course.

-She taps something on the clock, and the display instantly goes black. She then gently places a hand on Kai's shoulder, frowning.-

Alice: ...Are you sure you're not having second thoughts? You know I hate seeing you like this. Not only that, but I would hate for you to do anything you might regret.

Kai: ...Iunno. 'll think more about it in the morning.

-She leans into Alice's side for a moment.-

Kai: Might just be... stress after telling you about it. Just— residual tension.

Alice: I... understandable. I'm sorry, I don't intend to pry. Perhaps I may not be the best source of comfort on this matter.

-She sighs, giving Kai a faint squeeze.-

Alice: ...I care about you a great deal. I want to see you happy in yourself, and feeling well, with no more demons to wrestle with. And I want to do what I can to help make that happen.

-Kai nods slowly, still staring at the turned-off clock for a moment, before sighing and closing her eyes.-

Kai: ...T-thank you. I love you. So much. I... I-I... need sleep again...

-Alice blinks again, as if in surprise, but then gives a faint smile, settling back down into the sheets and wrapping her arms around Kai to pull her close.-

Alice: ...I love you too. I'll be here for you, not just when you wake up, but for however long you need me. Get as much rest as you need. After all, there's no time in here... just the two of us.

-Kai smiles faintly, quietly mumbling something that doesn't quite form words, and settles in again before drifting back off to sleep-

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Mar 11th 2021 at 10:40:22 AM

Arthur stretched, "Right, repairs and maintenance... the ship took quite a beating."

Hayden stepped over, <They largely used breaching weapons, no actual hull damage, they seemed intent on killing us within.>

Arthur nodded, "I noticed. We beat them to hell and scrapped what we could, Gale is quite the combat menace."

The Pen appeared next to Gale and held up a metaphorical notebook, Sup bud, got the notes right here. We're heading to... shield control. Find it funny that we get to mess with the control center that puts those big bubbles around us.

It flipped through the pages, So wanna practice what part goes where or do you want me to just read this out to you and your mons as you fix things?

Shutter would almost feel something staring at him... before the feeling subsided.

Silas grunted a bit as he reconnected the last control board into place, "Everything working Bishop?"

"The helm is functioning Captain. Running a sensor sweep now," Bishop responded.

Silas nodded, "Hacks, how are we doing?"

~Looking fine, we're not drifting. At least we can get navigating again and put some distance while we're stuck in these damn space clouds.~

"Captain," Bishop started, "I have found an od-"

The lights went out, there was an electric hum and a pop, the emergency lighting came on.

Bishop was trapped within the systems, he frowned, contrary to popular belief, Porygons didn't just get ejected from computer systems in case of problems. They were computer systems so it made as much sense as somebody's skeleton leaving their problem because of a broken toe, ejection only happened when the power was out. Power was still on but separated, Bishop couldn't just fly in and out anymore.

This was a problem as he had to escape and let the crew know about the intruder. He would have to start digging but it'd take forever to do so, he may not make it in time.

Roxy ran into the weapons control center, the designated point the Crew was supposed to go to in case of emergency, Silas rushed in and looked about, "Have you seen Hacks?"

"No, we seem to be missing some mons!" She responded.

Delta sat at his desk, "Really? Why give me this job?"

"Hunter J is currently occupied," Castle responded, "You are to collect the Rogue Agent asap. They were last sighted in Saffron, don't screw this up."

Delta sighed as the call ended, he instantly put in another call, stroking the head of Rodan as he did so, awaiting a response.

"Sphinx, gonna need a hotel with a Room 101 in Saffron, got anything?"

CW for racism.

Mementos, Monochromatic Path

Hel: -Growls as the Surf hits- <Stay out of this!>

-And fires another Freeze Dry at them before turning to me-

<Burn, you thin Oranguru!>

-And does a Flamethrower at Mokele-Mbembe, which hits-

Argh!

-Kneels-

Hel: <Hah, how do you like that? I think I like you better that way, the ground's where you belong~>

-The Helhounds take major damage, but suddenly howl as a circle appears below them-

Pink: <Careful!>

-The three melt down before reforming as a giant demon resembling an Alolan Muk but with its previous evo's coloration, its mouth filled with a full set of human-like teeth-

Great Devourer: -Aims and spits up a Gunk Shot at Arachne-

Ariadne: -Switches over to Omoikane, the attack not doing as much damage as a result, but she's stuck in the muck- <Yuck...>

Hel: -Summons two new Helhounds-

-As Mokele-Mbembe fires an Earth Power at Hel-

Getting real tired of these dogs.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 12th 2021 at 4:37:26 AM

Wild Area

Hoops: Oh Arceus it's even worse this time, I made a terrible mistake!

They double over and vomit into a bush. Kec pats them carefully on the back until they slump backwards, breathing heavily.

Museum Gala

They watch as the others try to restrain Malacostra.

Hoops: Cof, use Mean Look

Cof: <You got it, boss. That's my best intimidating glare, coming right up! And a one, and a two, and a three...>

As Cof counts, spectral eyes appear in the air as he speaks. They are ghostly and bloodshot, like the eyes of someone dying horribly. They form together into one gigantic, horrific eye which folds itself around Malacostra before disappearing.

Defiant Wing, Emergency Meeting

-Gale emerges from the shadows-

Listen if I accidentally shorted out the ship electronics while trying to fix the shield then I am deeply sorry.

Mementos, Poli-Punching

Anthem: <Hah! You're lucky you didn't have me in your constituency, I'd have kicked up so much support against you!>

-Eris is still kinda just going at it with that physical attacking-