Snowy
Circhester
Star: Well, she's kind of like the older sister I never had. Despite being younger than me.
-June starts laughing-
Star: -glares at June- What? I mean it!
June: <I know, just...> -she grins- <Awww. That's very sweet of you.>
Star: -Star smiles back- Aaaaaanyway. She's very reliable, not just in battle, but in other ways too. She also likes to tease me, but I know she has my back through anything.
Velvet Prison
Star: Sub-Persona? Umm...ok.
-She raises an eyebrow at the squirming demons, unsure about what's going to happen next-
The Wanderer
Velvet Room
Igor: -Grinning as Caroline and Justine put shrouds on the demons and lead them to the guillotines bearing the Velvet Room's symbol that have appeared out of nowhere- Fusion can sometimes be a bit... unpredictable.
-The blades fall, and the demons dissipate into blue light. Well, save for one that doesn't fall all the way-
Justine: Hmm... it would appear that we've had a bit of a fusion accident.
Caroline: -Lifting a Velvet Room-branded chainsaw with magnetism- We'll fix that right away!
-And takes said chainsaw to the remaining demons-
-The lights combine, and form into three new demons-
All: <From the sea of all souls I come.>
-The first, a three-headed Granbull-
???: <...I am Cerberus, guardian of the underworld.>
-The second, a humanoid-looking Misdreavus with a red pearl necklace and a teary-eyed expression on her face-
???: <...I am Banshee, the herald of death.>
-The third and final, a golden Copperajah wearing a giant golden headdress-
???: <...I am Ganesha, god of wisdom and remover of obstacles.>
Igor: These tamed demons, or sub-Personas, will help you greatly on your quest for rehabilitation.
Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 21st 2021 at 4:22:52 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Priest of the Temple of Syrinx
Circhester, Live Twitch Stream
Braker: "Well, that is very nice. Anyways, I must ask you— how has your journey been so far?"
Velvet Room
(Kim stares up in awe at Ganesha, recognizing it instantly as her sub-Persona.)
Kim: "Whoa..."
Edited by OPALGARNET16 on Apr 19th 2021 at 8:34:17 AM
Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅
Empathic Kid Hero-in-training
Velvet Room
-Ian gets a look through the bars of his cell door and get a look at the teary-eyed Banshee.-
Me: Cute...
♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...
Dunsparce Cloud
Galar Sky-to-Ground
Ever: Has this ever happened to you?
-they continue falling-
Muninn(?): <I'm not so easily distracted by ghosts!>
Ever: No time to unpack that, I suppose—
-they recall Scramble-
-which, of course-
Muninn(?): And you won't get away that easily!
Ever: Pssht.
-Muninn(?) dives, popping the sound barrier as is his wont-
-and is backflippered away-
Muninn(?): <What the fuck.>
Ever: You are following in a proud tradition, kid.
Arc: <Did I just slap a god?>
Ever: Nah. Just a scary powerful cryptid.
Arc: <Oh. You're aware penguins can't fly, right?>
Ever: I'd like to test that theory. Waterfall!
Arc: <Based on what water!>
Ever: I'm relying on you for that!
Arc: <Oh. Right.>
-it's a dry day-
-but there's still enough water in the air that as Ever wraps their flesh arm around Arc's neck, Arc rises skyward, leapfrogging Muninn(?) as he shoots out sideways-
Ever: (slapping their prosthetic furiously against their leg) Well, that bought us some acceleration. See you again in a bit.
-they recall Arc, and tumble again-
Muninn(?): <How is every version of you this irritating?>
Ever: Patent pendi—
—wait, what?
-they fall past the Wyndon skyline and Muninn(?) is abruptly confined to subsonic speeds as he zeroes in-
Muninn(?): <You're just— such an infuriating specimen of humanity.>
Ever: No, I know that! The other bit, about versions. What other versions of me have you met?
Muninn(?): <You're asking me this while you're about to become sidewalk chalk?>
Ever: Well, I can hardly ask after.
-they slap their prosthetic again-
Muninn(?): (diving again, closing down on Ever) <What's that you're doing?>
Ever: Checking signal strength.
Muninn(?): (yards out and closing the gap) <Pardon?>
Ever: Eh, don't—
—
worry
about
it.
-as Mega Pleth sprints up the side of a building and jumps, using Ever as a stepping stone to leap, flip talons-up, and boot Muninn(?) in the face-
Edited by memyselfandI2 on Apr 19th 2021 at 6:48:16 AM
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
Flying Colors
Hammerlocke
-Mason blinks at Eric's appearance.-
Mason: ...Er.
-He glances at Addie.-
Mason: Hm.
-And at Parfait-
Mason: ...I'm gonna trust you on the "not blowing cover" thing. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go not be in public anymore. Had enough almost getting killed for one day.
-And he's gone.-
Textspace
From: Scarlette
Oh, that's good to know! That means its parts are more or less compatible with stuff from places like those hardware stores, too. Unfortunately, the problem I'm seeing is setting such a trap in a way that it won't put any other people at risk.
There's also the possibility that it's going to be attempting to avoid humans entirely, after its fight with me and Reaver. It took a lot of damage, and it's likely to not want to risk any further confrontation.
Edited by BittersweetNSour on Apr 19th 2021 at 10:08:37 AM
Fwomph
=>
#Closing time. One last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey and beer.#
You hear it; it was a pop song once, the only hit of the band responsible. But here, now, with a dear friend singing it? It sounds like a dirge. You try and push past the haze.
Hey kiddo, wake up. It's time to go.
Hammerlocke Stadium
-Gale took a deep breath through her helmet filters as she strode onto the field, cloak of sponsorship logos flowing behind her. The gym leader was already out there, awaiting the entrance-
Raihan: Hah. I'm getting some champion vibes off you, or maybe that's just cause you've nabbed Leon's old cape? Anyway, I'm glad you challengers are getting up here, I was waiting for a good match! Shall we?
-The Nightingale nodded, taking a few steps back and retrieving a pair of Pokeballs from her belt-
Raihan: Gigalith, Flygon!
Agent, Shadowcrux!
-The two trainers send out their Pokemon: It seems that what Gale actually sent out is actually James the Inteleon and Acolyte the Corviknight. She'd been trying out some new 'stage names' for her team, a little publicity thing-
James: <O-oh. A doubles battle, that's interesting. I'm a little concerned...>
Acolyte: <Well don't go using Surf this time and we'll be fine!>
=>
You manage to regain awareness, the world snapping into sharp focus. You're at the bar again, the old bar with the ebony wood counter and the black velvet fittings and the hints of gold filigree. The dear Barman is looking a little concerned, his f̴̻̽̅a̶̻̬̱̹̼͉̼̫̒͐̂̔̎̋͊c̶̨̛̥̙̘̟̈́̈́̾̓̓̎̕e̸̢͔͊́͌͂ regarding you cautiously.
Hey kid, you with me? [What's your name?]
A few options flit through your head to respond. Eventually you get out some words. "Harley Davidson" you say, the clarity of your voice momentarily shocking you.
Kid... Don't try and be cute. I need to make sure you're in your right mind. [What's your name?]
Hammerlocke Stadium
-The battle continues. Raihan's Gigalith went down quickly, type matchups were just not in its favor. Both of the Nightingale's active Pokemon took solid hits in the process, but without any kind of solid type advantage the only one looking particlarly poor off was the unarmored James-
Raihan: Sandaconda, you're up!
Agent! Get out of there so you can heal up. I'm bringing in the Orochi Squad!
-She recalls James, keeping his ball within easy reach for applying healing items as she sends out her eight-stack of Falinks to hold the line. While each of the time-shifted Falinks still wear their traditional bronze helmetry they've each been given a small replacement shield with one of eight logos on it, a little sponsor touch that really only happens during League battles with the squad-
=>
"Emerald" you get out before realizing that it's probably courteous to give a last name too "Halepaʻa". You're feeling way more clear-headed than than you honestly expected to be in this place, which is still just outright surprising.
There we go. I think it's time for you to resume your wandering, wanderer. For sure, the bar will always be here if you need it but I'm feeling hopeful.
The Barman examines both halves of a coin before giving it a flip. You hear a faint bark and remember to scratch behind your human ear briefly, the action puts a little smile on your face. "Hey uh... Thanks. For everything" you mutter out, casting a glance to the pouch on your belt.
No problem kid. Least I could do for ya.
You give another smile, getting up from the seat and heading out the door into the windy Hammerlocke streets you were on before your most recent visit to the Black Beautifly.
Hammerlocke Stadium
-It was a hard choice, what to Dynamax against the skyscraperesque Duraludon. It was almost hard to concentrate with the crowd roaring but the usual choice that went with her theme just wasn't going to cut it this time. Falinks had been holding up well but was in no state to Dynamax, the Nightingale needed something that could tank...-
Alright, uh...
-She glanced briefly at a Pokeball on her belt, one customized with crystal accents. No, she was gonna save that for the championship...-
Paul Tea, let's up the volume!
-Gale flinched under her helmet. She really should work on a better stage presence for Grae the Polteageist but she was working with what she could. She just needed to hold out for three turns, then Falinks could clean up-
=>
You take a deep breath and with it take in the architecture. It felt good to be out in the sunlight again and you felt like he enjoyed it too. Which is when a scent catches your nose and it takes a little willpower to not assume power.
"Yeah I smell it too Pal. Let's go see if it's an open barbeque" you whisper to yourself as you start at a half-run towards the source of the delicious smell of roasting meat.
The Black Beautifly
Back here, the Barman hums out an old tune as he steps over to something like a chess board. Placed upon it is a variety of pieces that are definitely not chess pieces: white pieces include four colored suit marks on white bases, a black rectangle with a white shield in front of it and of course the oldest of the pieces, something like a Queen with a fedora rather than a crown. There's only one black piece on the board; a formless mass sitting inside a golden circle of light. It is joined by a second as the Barman retrieves something from his sleeve and places it on the board: A Queen, but with something more like a witch's hat rather than a crown.
Alright Wight, your play.
It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.
Dunsparce Cloud
Wyndon Skyline
Ever: Excuse me.
Mega!Pleth: <Oh, right.>
-she whips out a claw, a vine growing from her scales to catch Ever-
Ever: How does that help when we're still falling?
Mega!Pleth: <Because...>
-she extends another vine from her other hand, grabbing Muninn(?) by the neck-
<I can multitask!>
-as Muninn(?) dives for them, Pleth tugs on the vine, reeling herself towards and over Muninn(?)-
(-and launching Ever skywards again-)
Ever: (arms folded, a little petulantly) I'm not sure this is in the spirit of the Vow.
-Muninn(?) climbs, and Pleth drops, detonating her tail to accelerate the fall-
-the vine still links her and Muninn(?), of course, so-
-he's stopped very nearly in place, and hauled down after her-
-he's a pretty good flier, and he turns the fall into a swoop, takes a deep breath as he centers down on Pleth-
Mega!Pleth: <Two can play at that game!>
-she catches Muninn(?) with another vine, anchoring herself, and-
-the two attacks collide at the midpoint, and in an unusual turn of events for Muninn vs. anyone, are evenly matched-
-it's pretty dramatic-
-at which point a blue light coalesces around Pleth, freezing her in place-
Pleth: <Oh, bullshit.>
Muninn(?): <Sorry. Your dedication to your trainer is noble—>
Ever: aaaaa
Muninn(?): <But misplaced.>
-he hauls her closer, loosening the vines around his neck-
Muninn(?): <This isn't a fight you should have picked.>
Mega!Pleth: <Aw, Muninn. I've been waiting to pick this fight for years now.>
-Pleth's claw lights up with obscura again, and the Psychic breaks-
Muninn(?):
-in complete defiance of any logic, she does this by socking Muninn right across the face-
Muninn(?): <Augh!>
The ghostly Ever that just popped out of Muninn(?)'s face: Augh!
The ghostly Diesel that just popped out of Muninn(?)'s face, slightly to the side of the ghostly Ever: <Augh!>
The ghostly Breeze that...oh, you get the idea: <Augh!>
Mega!Pleth: <...?>
Ever: Well that's uncanny
Muninn(?): <You seem distracted. Let me take your mind off things.>
Hammerlocke, Macro Cosmos Bank
Salamence: <Normally I'm actually the assigned hothead, but when you're working with Jab and Cross, you just sort of get slotted into the role of being the level-headed one— ack!>
-she's not looking too great-
Salamence: <That is— what?!>
-she flaps irritably-
<Alright, enough of this nonsense.>
-she spreads her wings, and a glowing shield blossoms outwards-
-Cross, meanwhile, gets a pie in the face-
Cross: <Eugh. I'm not a cannibal.>
Jab: <That's— you don't know what cannibalism is.>
Cross: <All I know is there's apple skin in my mouth and I hate it.>
Jab: <Well, hold them there for a second! This'll be fun!>
Cross: <Ugh, fine. Liked it better when you couldn't talk...
-she closes her eyes, and emits a calming scent-
-while Jab, very slowly, dives forward with an Ice Punch-
Textspace
To: Nihilego Toxin Antidote Project
From: Every Memito
Oh, that's alright. I'll recycle some of what I used for Carna; she has similar concerns.
I recommend engaging at city limits. Displaced technology-oriented Pokemon tend to cluster there— maybe by Motostoke? It's fairly industrial.
Ballonlea Stadium, Pitch
Hoops grits their teeth as they return Tot to his pokeball.
Hoops: Don't think this is over. Led, come out!
Led appears from her pokeball and twirls in the air happily.
Led: <And now, I have arrived, and I shall win.>
Bede: Another flying type? I hope this isn't just going to be the same as last time.
Hoops: I promise, it won't. Use Bug Buzz!
Led flies forwards, releasing a buzzing vibration as she does that strikes Rapidash in the chest hard enough to make it step backwards.
Hoops: Now, use Air Slash and don't stop attacking!
Led begins to fly in a circle around Rapidash, twisting and spinning in the air as she goes, her movements creating blades of air that bombard Rapidash, who can only keep its head down.
Bede: I admit, this is a different battle that you're showing me. But it won't be enough, use Smart Strike to defend!
Hoops: To defend?
Rapidash begins rapidly swinging its horn to meet the blades created by Air Slash, and is able to break every single one in the air.
Hoops: This isn't working, use Bug Buzz again!
Bede: Dazzling Gleam!
Light and sound clash in the air, creating a large explosion of force. Led, being the smaller and lighter pokemon, cannot hold her position and is pushed back, which Rapidash uses as an oppurtunity to press forwards.
Led: <Alas, my dearest Hoops, I was not right.>
Bede: Pysycho Cut!
Hoops: Led, no!
Rapidash reaches Led and slashes with its horn as it passes her. She cries out in pain as the malevolent psychic energy fills her body, and she slowly descends to the round, the flapping of her wings getting slower and slower.
Led: Although, in final breath, I make a stand.
There is a shimmering in the air - characteristic of the creation of a Light Screen around her and her team, before her eyes close.
Announcer: Ledian is unable to battle! Challenger Hoops has now lost two pokemon.
Priest of the Temple of Syrinx
Ballonlea, Stands
(Kim flinches a bit upon seeing Led faint.)
Kim: "Oh dear... this is bad. They've already got half of their team down already, assuming they're using four Pokemon. Which I'm pretty sure they will."
Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅
Empathic Kid Hero-in-training
Ballonlea Stadium, Stands
Me: Don't give up, Hoops! You can do this!
Evelyn: Yeah! You defeated Kabu and Bea no problem! You can do it again!
Hatty: <We believe in you, Hoops!>
Piku-chan: <Don't ever give up!>
-At that moment, Evelyn gets to thinking...-
-She then remembers the day she met Hoops and made them smile.
-
Evelyn: -thinks to herself- Now that I think about it... I never did ask how Kec got hurt that time... But if there's one thing I know, it's that Hoops needs cheering for. And if they lose, cheering up... ♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...
Ballonlea Stadium, Pitch
Hoops silently returns Led to her pokeball, the frustration of their gace becoming more and more evident. From his perch clinging to their upper arm, Kec notices this and pats them reassuringly.
Kec: <Don't worry, we haven't lost yet. And even if we do, it's just one loss. We can always try again.>
Hoops: It's not just one loss, Kec! This is another loss after all the others. Ian, Agnes, Malacostra - except for gym leaders, we keep losing, and then I lose to a gym leader as well. And not just any gym leader, the one that I was battling to prove to Dad that I was stronger than he thought.
Kec: <You don't have to put all that on yourself.>
Bede, who has been listening to this from the other end of the pitch, closes his eyes and shakes his head in disappointment.
Bede: If you're so desperate to win, then you won't.
Hoops: What the distortion world is that supposed to mean?
Bede: Look, as the former poster child of wanting to get strong to prove things to other people, I can tell you first hand that all it does is make you unbalanced, unable to see anything past winning and losing. Once that happens, as much as you want to win, you'll only lose in the end.
Hoops: You don't know anything. I'll prove it! Kit, come out!
They throw the pokeball containing Kit, and the young Nickit emerges onto the field with a small growl.
Bede: Are you even trying at this point?
Hoops: I'll prove that I'm strong! And I'll prove that I don't have to do it anyone else's way, either. Quick Attack!
Nickit begins to run forwards rapidly, quickly gaining speed and jumping from side to side as it comes up on the already weakened Rapidash.
Bede: Okay, since you wanted this. Use Stomp, Rapidash.
Hoops: Foul Play!
Kit suddenly pulls up and swings his tail around, which is glowing with dark energy. It meets the Stomp head on and somehow manages to push it back, unbalancing Rapidash.
Bede: Oh? So you're better than I thought.
Hoops: Beat Up!
Kit's tail wags from side to side six times, once for each of his friends, once for each member of the team. He then lunges, striking Rapidash six times while it's still unbalanced from the last clash, doing what looks like a lot of damage. Rapidash is left looking as though it is struggling to stand.
Kit: <Yes! I did it! I did good!>
Hoops: Quick, use Foul Play again and finish it.
Rapidash's eyes suddenly snap open.
Bede: Sorry, but I don't lose that easily. Dazzling Gleam!
The burst of rainbow coloured light meets Kit as he charges forward to deal the final blow, lifting his small body off the ground so hard that he lands all the way back by Hoops' feet, unmoving.
Hoops: Kit!
Announcer: Nickit is unable to battle! Challenger Hoops now has only one pokemon remaining against four.
Priest of the Temple of Syrinx
Snowy
Circhester
Star: It's going ok, I guess. I just finished fighting Gordie at the gym here not too long ago.
Velvet Prison
-Star stares as the fusion happens-
Star: O.O. Well, that's...intense.
-She crouches down to greet Cerberus-
Star: Well, nice to meet you. ...Now what?
No voice to cry suffering
-Megan's got Nova in a headlock-
Megan: Yield—calm down??
-Nova is countering by...crying?-
Nova: -incoherent-
-she slaps a button on her armor, causing wings to unfold-
Megan: Eh?
Nova: -sobbing- I don't want the bugs to eat your planet—!
-the wings are jetpacks apparently, since they propel her and her captor from prone several meters into the air-
Megan: -yelps, wrapping her legs around Nova-
Nova: -rambly- —it's a beautiful life cycle but it's so busted an' I don' thin' we're prepared to evacuate a whole other world yet—
Megan: wait wait wait wait wait wait wait
Nova: -weeping- —an' yeah it might take a century or ten but they're gonna be there, chewin', an' I coulda stopped it—
Megan: AAAAAAA
-she tightens her hold, cutting off Nova's breathing—and ranting—with a "glurk", -
-on reflex, Nova shoots off in a random direction, which is down-
-and they sort of-
Pippy: -screaming-
Vee: -shrieking-
-suplex, each other, into the ground-
Megan: …
Nova: …
-oh would ya look at that, they aren't super injured at all-
Vee: <<Now calm the fuck down an' explain what's wrong.>>
Nova: -jerking to a sitting position, sliding back- Wh—whoa, whoa there, doggie—
Megan: -blink blink, blandly neutral- It all started when I was six, when my sister bit me on the eye—
Nova: -hands up- Easy...easy now...
Vee: -stare- <...y'know, I almos' forget that most people can't understand me. At least while I'm runnin' with the j-dorks.>
Megan: -dull- say "bit", it was really more of a rough nudge being more honest and just a bit less humorously hyperbolic, but it kind of set the tone for
Nova: Pointy...pointy teeth. ...fins…?
Vee: -not averting her gaze- <...hey, P, get the Scarf, would ya?>
Pippy: -blank- <—then the Croagunk chased us into the really gross pond in section three—not the horrible one, that was another time, but then this was the one with all the Barboach before the renovations—>
Vee: <...Pollen?>
Pollen: -extricating herself from cloud nine- <RIGHT OKAY I CAN HANDLE THIS>
Nova: -aiming her fist at her and her buzzing- aaaAAA
Vee: -snarl- <<Drop it!>>
-Megan drops it* -
-released from the cage of her arms, Nova stumbles upright, takes a split second to collect herself and boggle in confusion-
-and, impulsive as she is, fires up her jets and tries to fly over everyone's heads—and better safe than sorry grab the bug burrowing into the weird girl's Bag-
-but vents iced over, she just kind of flips ass-over-teakettle high overhead, falling on her back several meters away-
Nova: ...ow.
Vee: <...oops.>
Pollen: <Got it!>
-with one little Trick, a sky-blue scarf flutters down on Nova's face-
???!Nova: <...eh?>
-...and out peeps a Fletchling-
Rosemaster: Actually, the more inert side of gardening can be surprisingly vicious—unmaintained, it's a constant wrestling match of nutrients and sunlight and strangulation—
-speaking of inert things, the whole Tamato haze loses all of its bite (as if swaddled by cotton between its jaws)-
Rosemaster: ...hrm.
Malus: <You'll have your pie and eat it too! Along with your words—...oooh, that's tasty, keep it coming…>
-cutting off Malus's attempts to pull away at the pass-
-...sour-dry pie filling continuing to spill from their stock-still, vulnerable position...-
-but an Apple dives between Jab and Malus!-
Malaise: -somehow un-FNT-d <For every action, there's an equal and opposite me!> xD
-...and, slapstick-esque, Jab's glacial Ice Punch smooshes Malaise into Malus into Cross's face-
-chilling both of the fruit into unconsciousness-
-...and into two pillars of light-
-yeah, that's a tiny Reviver Seed flash-
Malus: :D
Malaise: >:D
Rosemaster: …….oh, enough of this nonsense.
Sudden Mysterious Pale-White Shiny Roserade (In A Cape): <Here we are again~>
-right in their midst- <I feel the chemicals kicking in—>
-he plucks the Ripened Liechi Berry from Malaise's bruised shell, taking a hearty bite-
-tossing aside the rind- <It's getting heavy and I want to run and hide—>
-cracking thorns- <I want to run and hide…>
-and the mess of Tamato and banking institution is filled with fluttering violet-black-
No mind to think. No will to break.
Empathic Kid Hero-in-training
Ballonlea Stadium, Stands
Piku-chan: <Is something the matter, Evelyn?>
Evelyn: -snapping back to reality- Oh... It's nothing. Just... I'm worried. Hoops has held their own every time they battled, regardless of whether they won or lost. I'm worried that they might lose faith in their battling ability if they lose this time...
Piku-chan: <Don't worry about it, Evelyn. After all, they gave me a run for my money when I first battled them.>
Evelyn: But you won that time.
Piku-chan: <Right. Because I didn't hold back. It would've been disgraceful if I had...>
♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...
Ballonlea Stadium, Pitch
On the field, Hoops has gone pale and has begun to visibly shake. Kec climbs down from their shoulder and stands in front of them. He sticks out his tongue and it hits Hoops in the mouth like a small punch, bringing them back to their senses.
Hoops: Kec... we can't win this.
Kec: <Maybe. Maybe Bede was right and were were doomed from the start.>
He holds out his paw.
Kec: <Shall we prove him wrong?>
Hoops stares at the paw, dumbfounded, then grins and high-fives it.
Hoops: Let's do this, buddy.
Bede raises an eyebrow.
Bede: Oh? This is something different. But is it too late?
Hoops: Never! Kec, use Slash!
Kec dashes forwards, readying his claws for an attack. Rapidash looks at him curiously as he approaches.
Bede: Stomp it out, Rapidash.
Rapidash rears back, ready to deliver the powerful blow. Hoops grins.
Hoops: Switch to Shadow Claw!
Bede: What?
Kec's claws grow longer and ethereal as his body turns a deep purple colour. Rapidash attempts to Stomp, but the move passes harmlessly through him and he delivers a powerful blow to Rapidash that finally deals enough damage to knock it out.
Announcer: Rapidash is unable to battle! Therefore Gym Leader Bede has three pokemon left.
Bede returns Rapidash to its ball.
Bede: So, you're using your pokemon's Protean ability to rapidly change your typing. But how did you become able to change moves on the fly like that?
Hoops: Kec and I have been together for a long time. We can do stuff like that.
Bede: I can see. The bond between you must be very strong indeed. It radiates off of you as bright as one of Opal's stupid outfits. I can't say the same for the rest of your team, though.
Hoops: What?
Bede: The rest of your team clearly trusts you with their lives, and yet I'm not sure that they believe you have the same trust in them.
Hoops: What are you talking about?
Bede: I'm not here to give you the answers. Come forth, Mawile!
The deceiver pokemon appears on the field in a flash of light. It turns around so that its huge mouth is facing Kec, and looks playfully over its shoulder.
Bede: Come at me!
Priest of the Temple of Syrinx
Ballonlea
(Kim instantly relaxes— and the PokeBall containing Peechee opens up. Peechee is, naturally, in his bloodthirsty state— red eyes, shaking pincer, and so on— and he stares out at the battle in front of him.)
Kim: "Thank god. That Rapidash is down. Perhaps they have a shot of winning this after all."
Peechee: <SHIVE THEIR GULLIVERS OFF—!! DON'T GIVE UP-!>
Kim: "I... don't think that Kec can use Guillotine, Peechee."
Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅
pain peko
Wyndon, Pokémon Center - February 24, TS
-Isbrand's tablet beeps.-
Isbrand: "Oh, tournament match-ups for tomorrow are ready."
Shaun: "Weird. Just got mine, too."
-Shaun taps his glasses and scans the brackets. First up, Allister and Gordie. Shaun's up next, a match with Nessa. Then Allister and Gordie, Piers and Melony, and Raihan and-
Isbrand: "I gotta fight him again? Already?"
-Shaun shrugs.-
Shaun: "Just make sure you make it to the final bracket."
Isbrand: "You think I'd pass up a chance to kick your ass?"
Shaun: "Of course not. And when your team is downed on the field, I'll spare you from any cruel words."
"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"
Empathic Kid Hero-in-training
Ballonlea Stadium
Me: Mawile?
-Ian checks his Pokédex.-
Pokédex: Mawile, the Deceiver Pokémon. A Steel and Fairy type. Mawile's huge jaws are actually steel horns that have been transformed. Its docile-looking face serves to lull its foe into letting down its guard. When the foe least expects it, Mawile chomps it with its gaping jaws. The big jaws on the back of its head can't taste anything, so that's the mouth it uses to eat foods it doesn't like. Its two sets of jaws thrash about violently as if they each had a will of their own. One gnash from them can turn a boulder to dust.
Evelyn: Take 'em down, Hoops! You can do this!
Me: I believe in you! Go for it, Hoops!
♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...
pain peko
Wyndon Stadium - February 25, TS
-Shaun strides onto the pitch, hands in coat pockets. Across the stadium, Nessa saunters forwards, arms crossed.-
-They stop, facing each other.-
Nessa: "You'll find I'm not going to be easy to defeat this time around."
Shaun: "Nou aru taka wa tsume-o kakusu." Translation
Nessa: "And yet the sea conquers all."
Shaun: "Qrow!"
Nessa: "Golisopod!"
-The mons take the field, bird and bug.-
Qrow: <The rest of the team's at a disadvantage, so you send me out?>
Shaun: "Evenly matched."
-Distracted by conversation, Qrow gets sucker punched by Nessa's Golisopod.-
Shaun: "Cheap."
Qrow: <Barely felt it. Try this out, kid!>
Golisopod: <I'm thirteen!>
-Qrow flies forward like a bullet, tilting his wings so he spirals forward and stabs his beak in.-
-The Golisopod makes a high pitched shuffling noise, almost like the sound of a cricket.-
-Nessa scoffs as her Golispod recalls themself. Sha grabs another Dive Ball off her belt.-
Nessa: "Don't get cocky. Pelipper!"
-Said Pelican-mon pops out of its ball and flies kinda dorkily, keeping eye contact with Qrow. Stormclouds gather in the air.-
-Shaun says nothing about the rain, just Constructs a beach umbrella and plants it in the ground.-
Shaun: "You know, it's sunny today. You get sun three days a year in Galar, and your brilliant plan is to go back to cloudy skies and cold rains."
-The air currents shift ever so slightly - so miniscule is the difference only anyone used to being in the air unassisted would know.-
-Which currently is the Pelipper, Qrow, and Shaun.-
Shaun: "Up! Now!"
-Qrow shoots upward like an arrow from Shaun's bow, piercing through the clouds above the battlefield.-
-Right before he escapes the rain, a gust of wind and water knocks Qrow out of the sky.-
-Shaun watches as Qrow plummets, smirking. Right before hitting the ground, Qrow spreads his wings and turns, all the force from his descent delivered in one strike.-
-The Pelipper's wing buckles and it collapses on the ground, unable to fly.-
-Qrow circles, waiting.-
Nessa: "Your Corviknight is colder than the deepest depths of the sea."
Shaun: "Qrow's an older, wild Mon. It's cutthroat out there. You have to be ready for anything, gotta fight tooth and claw."
-The Pelipper staggers to their feet, aggressively flapping their wings. They jump into the air - and fall back down, unable to even approach Qrow.-
Nessa: "Just shoot him down!"
-Unfortunately, Qrow's already on the ground - touching down just to lift off again, wings outstretched. Like a scythe, he cuts into the Pelipper and sends them flying.-
-Nessa recalls her Pokémon, arms crossed.-
Nessa: "Recklessly attacking won't get you anywhere."
-Qrow turns on his talons, head down as the rain drips off him.-
Shaun: "We don't have time to chip away at your team. Better to take it all out with a tsunami than let the currents chip away."
-Nessa cocks her arm back, stretches her legs, and throws.-
"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"
Silas looked over the documents, it was a disturbing thought… but one that sadly was all too true. He picked up the folder and read through the files inside once more, he had to remember to thank Alice for this information.
He had been looking into the further Pokefutures Corruption in Angela, the recent reforms had done wonders for clearing out houses and a few politicians had been arrested for their ties. This was a start, it seemed that Pokefutures rooted itself deep into certain circles, ones that would ensure that even with all it had suffered it’d have backing and support to allow the remnants to keep working.
Dr. Elizabeth Tonio was still missing, but she was good at what she did, and the most dangerous part, pragmatically minded. Silas found it an odd combo for a mad scientist to be obsessed with scientific progress, as well as pragmatic when it came to functioning. Regardless she was a problem to be handled later, and she was more tied to Alice anyways, similar to how he was tied to Delta.
“Hey Hacks?”
~Yeah?~
“What do you think Gale will end up with as an archenemy? Cause Alice and I both have respective Arch-foes.”
Hacks leaned his head back and pondered, ~Could end out being anything.~
Silas nodded, “Well, at least we have an idea of where the Smuggling Ring is.”
~Gonna be hard to get in, walking in with a pokemon is a sign of trouble… or an offer.~
Silas grimaced, “They touch you, they die.”
Hacks took a look at the set on Silas’s desk, ~That’s not your blaster…~
“I know. I can’t stick with it, not for this job.”
He sighed, “Hacks are we doing the right thing?”
~We’re taking out a ring hooked up to an objective evil. Said Ring is also pretty much Evil, we’re not good people entirely… but I think so.~
“Even if it gets-”
~Silas, you live in my world as well, understand this. Sometimes fate rolls you a bad hand, but you fight tooth and nail to keep on living.~
Silas nodded and stood up, “We’ll be landing soon. Let’s get you fitted for an optic-net.”
~Won’t there be other aurics and psychics?~
“I’ve thought of that, and we’ll be ready.”
Roxy stepped in, “We’re nearly there, you two gonna be okay?”
Hacks nodded, ~We’re good.~
Silas picked up his new suit jacket and reached in, pulling out a potion bottle, “Item Box is working.”
Ever since the Item Box from [Resident Evil] had appeared in the Wing, Silas had found a way to make use of it, and hooked it up to the pocket-space of his messenger bag and his coat and poncho set. Effectively this meant no matter where he walked he had storage on hand, it was very useful indeed.
“Alright, wish me luck,” he said, giving Roxy a kiss.
“Kick their asses,” she said with a smile.
Silas nodded and stepped out, Roxy shot Hacks a look, who waved it off, ~Don’t worry. We’re more than capable of this by now.~
Madeline Kern sat in her office, going over her set of new furs, tonight was the fashion runway. She was looking forward to trying out all the new outfits, of course the parts they brought in were going to the labs, she sighed thinking of all the Eggheads who would argue over what went where.
Maddie shrugged and took a sip of champagne, any moment now she would be getting a call.
The screen went off and Maddie clicked accept, the goggled face of Tonio appeared.
“Tonio.”
“Madeline, I am to understand you are getting more bits and pieces for us?”
“Yes yes, calm down. It’ll be fine.”
Maddie hung up the call and rolled her eyes, the scientists in Pokefutures never really understood what the Execs had to do to keep things running, and Tonio was one of the worst. She had no care for the inner politics or better etiquette, she had threatened the CEO several times and somehow got away with it.
For now, she just had to focus on the goal in front of her… a delightful night of new fur coats to model on the floor. Nothing could go wrong tonight, nothing at all.
A man in a dark suit stopped at the door, he had black and gold hair slicked back into a neat short look, an angular face and a neatly trimmed black beard, he arched a brow and sighed. Letting himself get patted down, he wasn’t carrying anything on his person beyond his phone, the Club didn’t let people in if they carried pokeballs or weapons. Just asking for trouble.
“Just a formality sir.”
“I understand,” the man said.
The pat down finished and he brushed his hair back, “We good?”
“You’re good to go, enjoy your time at the club sir.”
He nodded and stepped in, the Bouncer would feel a faint brush at his leg and looked about… he saw nothing.
~Didn’t even spot your bionic arm?~ Hacks asked from underneath his optic camo net.
Silas shrugged a bit, passing the motion off as just rolling his shoulders, “I had an excuse ready for that if it was noticed. He didn’t spot the housing, I’m not about to question it too hard.”
Hacks sighed, ~Regardless… let’s get to work.~
pain peko
Wyndon Stadium - Match 4
Isbrand shrugs her jacket on and exits the locker room. Seeing sunlight on the pitch, she pulls out a pair of aviators and slides them on.
As Isbrand walks into the stadium proper, the cheering and jeering strengthens - Isbrand's own fans, gathered during the journey, several of them waving banners and signs, and Raihan's fans, cheering for their favorite Dragon trainer and demanding Isbrand's head on a platter. Seems the recent loss of Raihan to Isbrand isn't sitting well with people.
After all, Isbrand didn't even use the Power Spot last time. And yet again, her League-provided Dynamax band is missing from her wrist.
Raihan does a sick pose, winking at his Rotom-Phone. "Right, love, shall we keep the crowd waiting? I may have lost to you once, but now I got twice the reason to win."
Isbrand pounds her fist into an open palm. "Sure, if you're so confident. But that's what got you into trouble last time."
"You cut deep, man." Raihan snaps another selfie before grabbing two Ultra Balls. "Same as last time. A Double Battle."
"Fine by me. You'll lose twice as fast." Isbrand's hands slide to her belt, ignoring the wobbling Luxury Ball and going for two others. "Let's get down to it, Raihan."
Miku plays a guitar riff. <Yeah! Who's ready to fucking rock!>
Hellfire snorts. <Dial it back.>
"Fighting fire with fire?" Raihan asks. "Well, don't stalemate us like this."
The Torkoal glows with light, and the sunlight over the battlefield strengthens to such a degree that Isbrand's very glad she has these sunglasses.
The Turtonator assumes a defensive position, turning their back on Isbrand's team.
Channeling the solar energy, the Torkoal crouches down, and lava shoots out of their back and falls down onto Miku.-
<Fuck you!> Miku shouts in a high-pitched voice, her form flickering and disappearing to reveal a Zorua, shaking lava out of her fur like water.
"I was hoping we'd get to keep that advantage for a little longer." Isbrand shrugs. "Oh well."
Shade sniffs, tears in her eyes. <I can't believe you would do that! You threw lava on my beautiful fur! Now it's gonna be patchy...and I won't be pretty anymore...and Isbrand's not gonna love me!>
Shade starts full-on bawling, seemingly completely dejected. The crowd responds with sympathy at the crying Zorua, but the more experienced battlers seem to chuckle to themselves.
<I'm - I'm sorry! I didn't mean...> The Torkoal totters towards the despairing fox. <I - you still look pretty to me! Don't cry....>
Raihan looks away from his phone. "Torkoal, what are you doing? Don't-"
Hellfire's used to this scam. He smirks, his own Nasty Plot coming to fruition as he howls, chaining into a Dark Pulse that fires at the Torkoal, flattening from a series of rings into a sharpened wave.
The Torkoal goes flying across the arena and smashes into an advertisement for Kentucky Fried Torchic, crumpling in a heap.
Shade blows a kiss. <Your kind words seen to have reassured me, sir.>
Raihan just kinda stares in shock. "For real?"
"For real," Isbrand confirms. "We don't have all day. Send out your next Pokémon. Unless you're ready to forfeit?"
"You wish, love."
Edited by SwiftSeraph on Apr 20th 2021 at 5:54:23 AM
"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"
Priest of the Temple of Syrinx
Circhester Live News Feed
Braker: "Ah. I see. And... what's been your favorite part of your journey so far?"
Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅
Galar Skies
Ever: So I can't help but notice you aren't putting me down.
Muninn(?): <Oxygen deprivation should set in shortly. It'll make your mind a little easier to crack.>
Ever: My mind is very easy to crack, I assure you. I'm the desiccated peanut shell of cerebra.
Muninn(?): <Then why, Ever, why do you insist on maintaining the lie that it's in your own control?>
Ever: Oh, I don't know. I guess it's just depressing to assume I'm just meat and chemicals that somehow sprouted a point of view. But why does anyone believe in free will?
Muninn(?): <...I'm referring to your face.>
Ever: Is this, like, a roundabout insult? Because whatever divergence point you seem to have experienced has not improved your banter, bud.
Muninn(?): <I mean— why do you look like me, if not to mock?>
Ever: Oh, okay, so this is like, ISSUES issues. Would've been nice to know before you got me up here...
Ah well.
We'll talk later. I have a sudden feeling I need to be somewhere else.
-they tap an ectoplasmically wriggling Poke Ball-
-and abruptly-
Muninn(?): <Aagh!>
-a dozen ghosts find a welcoming home in Latios feathers-
Scramble: <:V!>
-Muninn(?) jerks one way midflight, then another, as multiple very weak minds assert their opinions on his flight path. A few abortive telekinetic swipes send clouds and airborne bacteria spiraling crazily, and Muninn(?) crashes headlong into a sudden and self-imposed cyclone-
Ever: Whoa there. If you're not careful, you just might—
-a stray nervous impulse goes exactly where you might expect-
Muninn(?): <Damn it. There's no way you're this slippery without help.>
Ever: (plummeting) Hm. Now time to think of a step 2.
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.