Hammerlocke Banquet, Past

Blair: <I suppose that could work. Once you get far enough away the other ambient anxieties in the vicinity will probably drown you out. But I would prefer to stay near my trainer, since she seems to be talking to someone right now.>

Aislinn: "Yeah, my dad left a long time ago. My mom talked about him a little, but I've got no idea what he's like. I think he's alive though." She shrugs.

... He left because of the mask, but I don't need to say that part out loud.

Mementos

"Yeah, I named myself after a thing Zorua can do. Or you could just use something you like, so long as it sounds vaguely name-like?" Daze adds.

off the shits

Hammerlocke Banquet

-Gaia folds her arms and looks Rogue up and down.-

Gaia: For someone who skulks in the shadows, you certainly seem to crave the limelight. It's a wonder your head is able to fit in that helmet of yours. Still, I can't help but find it rather adorable that you think we'll be sharing the spotlight. Rest assured, the light of justice will outshine your-

-She stops as she notices Jane and Tommy approaching, and turns to them.-

Gaia: Oh? Greetings. I'm glad to see you share my opinion on what a worthy hero looks like.

Shun: ...We've met.

Gaia: Hmm?

-Shun, who all of a sudden looks like a teakettle close to boiling, has pulled his hat down to cover his eyes and is quiet.-

Gaia: You'll have to forgive my colleague. He's not used to handling the public relations side of things.

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

Hammerlocke Banquet

The two attractive-looking journalists came forward.

Jane: Hey there. We're from the Geographic Society. My name is Jeanette Harvey, but you can call me Jane. This is my partner and friend Thomas Petersen. While we met before, detective, I doubt that we've been properly introduced.

Tommy: I'm Tommy. Detective Hontou and I have been acquainted before. You remember Gimbal.

Gimbal, via phone: Hey, Officer H.

Tommy: We recently discovered that we were related. She's my mom. Heads up there.

Tommy was acting rather reserved and awkward. This happens way too often, especially around people he's strangely attracted to. And especially when he's surrounded by them. This either has the effect of attracting others even more or repulsing them despite prior feelings. His mother put it best, "you are bad at this."

Jane, meanwhile, can detect the slightest hints of venom in Shun's hidden expression. She found it relatable and rather "intriguing," to say the least. That it was uncomfortable was something she couldn't deny. It was an understandable feeling, really. Every time another harem formed around Tommy, she felt sort of the same way, even when they stopped being officially together. She swore sometimes that Penelope taking a greater interest in Gavin is the only reason their friendship survived.

Tommy: A pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Gaia. It's an honor to be around another superhero. I... I usually just find it fortunate to capture one on camera.

Jane: He takes pictures of the superhero my dad hates. Like that doesn't sound familiar. You know the one. See, I told you she was awesome. Bet you never got this close to Arachna-Guy, huh?

Tommy: Yeah. I do recall seeing them from the stadium stands last year, but we didn't exactly get a good view without the zoom lenses. Honestly, detective, from what I recall, you don't especially like superheroes. I mean, nothing wrong with holding that opinion but you'd find that we're kind of at the opposite end of the scale there. And then you end up working with Gaia of all people.

Gimbal, via phone: Tommy, honey, read the room.

He breathes and turns to Gaia after name-dropping her.

Tommy: Love the show, by the way. How goes the Galar League?

Edited by MasterJayAM on May 11th 2021 at 6:32:03 PM

The Pen grinned, and in the second view window appeared a targeting crosshair and what appeared to be the snout of a gaster.

I can easily just pop em here, at your word we could blast that device right out of their hands... or in other words.

The Pen's avatar shifted to a older man in a heavy uniform, and it spoke in a smooth and almost unsettling tone, You may fire when ready.

Ballonlea Stadium, VS Bede

Bede: Sylveon, use Shadow Ball!

Me: Raru, use Psychic!

Evelyn: Mirai, use Magical Leaf!

-Sylveon runs around Raru and Mirai, trying to disorient them, then fires a Shadow Ball at Raru, whose eyes glow a mystical purple as he releases a psychic wave to catch the shadow ball and launch it back. Mirai summons a flurry of rainbow leaves and throws them at Bede's Sylveon. The Shadow Ball and Magical Leaf hit Sylveon through the Light Screen barrier and the damage dealt is weakened.-

Evelyn: This is getting us nowhere.

Mirai: <Those barriers are tough. Every time we think we find a way around them, Gardevoir creates one more.>

Raru: <There's gotta be something we can do to push back that Sylveon...>

-Mirai thinks about something they could do, and she then feels a new power awakening in her.-

Mirai: <Raru-kun... I think I have our answer.>

-Raru looks over with excitement as Mirai summons two little spheres of psychic energy form around her hands as her eyes glow in a rainbow of colors. Mirai then moves the spheres around like what they are meant to be: pompoms.-

Mirai: <Go go, Raru! You can do it! Magic Shielding? Break right through it! With friends at your side, there's nothing to it! Go, RARU!>

-Mirai gingerly taps Raru on the forehead with one of her pompoms, dispersing the energy throughout Raru's body, increasing his power.-

Raru: <That power... what was it?>

-Mirai tilts her head and smiles.-

Mirai: <That was Helping Hand. Now your attack is more powerful.>

Raru: <Thanks, Mirai.>

Mirai used Helping Hand! Mirai is ready to help Raru!
Me: Raru, use Shadow Sneak!

Bede: Sylveon, use Shadow Ball!

-Sylveon conjures an orb of shadowy energy which she throws at Raru, who catches it and incorporates it into the shadowy aura that surrounds him. The shadow aura increases in size due to the Helping Hand boost. Raru punches the ground, releasing ghostly energy in Sylveon's direction. A shadowy copy of Raru rises from the ground behind Bede's Sylveon and punches her in the back and explodes, knocking her unconscious.-

Referee: Sylveon is unable to battle!

-Bede calls Sylveon back to her Poké Ball.-

Gardevoir: <Your camaraderie has me impressed, little ones. Now I shall finish what Sylveon had started...>

Gardevoir: <Magic fills the air... Very well... let us dance!>

-Gardevoir floats beautifully towards the center of the field and readies herself for battle, switching from defensive magic to offensive magic.-

Wild Area

Dalt: <Yep! You found me out like it was nothing! As for Turffield, we met when I was just a Yamper, and I spoke like a doge. But things change, I changed. I’m now a Boltund. For your next question: When was it that I evolved?>

Textspace

Edited by AnimeboyIanpower on May 22nd 2021 at 1:29:50 PM

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

Federation Station, The Party

-Gale took a deep breath, setting down the stew and taking a step back-

It is a great honor that I get to say this within the presence of royalty; Ladies and gentlemons, dinner is served.

-She bows deep-

Now.

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

The Medicham barely had time to react as a blue beam struck the device, tearing a hole through it and knocking it out of hand. Arthur caught the device, looked up and saw the Medicham... who seemed to be getting a little pale.

"Gale? Shall we give them a show?" he asked.

Federation Station, The Chase

Now then, please enjoy the meal.

-The eyes of the helmet flash yellow before Gale turns to look at the Medicham, turning the mic of her comms back on-

Ooh, yes, dinner and a show. Let us show this failed assassin that I'm more than a mere Fleetborne chef and why neither of us are to be trifled with.

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Arthur nodded and tossed a ball, out popping Clutch. Who surveyed the situation, looked up and saw the worried Medicham.

<It seems the pitiful organic has made an error,> He said, the Medicham now growing very worried, and darted off. Clutch laughed, <Do not run fleshy thing.>

Arthur hopped on and surfed Clutch up to the balcony, where the Medicham was sprinting for their life.

Federation Station, Party Protagonists in the Hall Tonight

-Gale takes off running in pursuit-

Always hate when they run, means they're probably not gonna go quiet...

-She does a little sigh and tries to keep her breathing steady in the chase-

You still running surveillance? Please don't tell me that they've got a ship waiting for evac. I mean, if it's true then definitely tell me, I just really don't want them to get away easily?

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

The Pen's avatar appeared next to Gale, reclined and relaxing as she rushed. Of course, and no escape craft, we're far away from any reasonable points for a shuttle to be here... seems like bad design honestly. This entire location is pretty open, what happens if that giant window breaks?

Arthur leapt off of Clutch, the two sprinting hard, the heavy thud of their boots echoing throughout the halls.

The Medicham was swearing up a storm, phrases that neither Gale nor Arthur would have heard before (except for Bosh'tet), it came to a locked door. Turning, the Medicham realized that its only way would be to fight now.

The eyes glowed and it attempted to rip the walls of the hallway apart and trap the two.

Ballonlea

Kim: "Oh dear. All of a sudden this fight got much harder."

(And then she realizes what Mirai learned and smiles.)

Kim: "Or... maybe it didn't."

The Wild Area

Kim: "In Hulbury, after you saw Kaylan nearly get taken down by Nessa's Golisopod. You refused to see him get beaten, and it filled you with so much determination and energy that you evolved into a Boltund at the same time Kaylan did."

Textspace

PI: That is fair.

PI: ...Hang on, you said you were about to go to Circhester, correct?

RP: Correct.

PI: Do you mind if I come and film the battles?

FS: ooh~~ that's a great idea~

TA: It Certainly would Be interesting.

ZL: Thiss iss going to be great! I've never sseen a Gym Battle before!

RM: ...

ZL: What?

RM: ...ArE—YOU—SErIOUS?! YOU'VE—NEVEr—SEEN—A—GYM—BATTLE—BEFOrE?!

ZL: Of course not, ssilly! I've been in the wild thiss whole time!

RM: I—SWEAr, IF—I—WASN'T—mADE—YOUr—PArTNEr, I'D—TEAr—YOU—TO—SHrEDS—rIGHT—NOW!

ZL:

RM: JULES! NEVEr—mIND—THEm... YOU'rE—A—FILmmAKEr?

PI: A newscaster, actually. Rather, I'm training to be one.

RM: SWEET! I—GET—TO—SEE—POKEmON—DUKE—IT—OUT—ON—THE—BATTLEFIELD! THIS—IS—GOING—TO—BE—GrEAT!

RP: ...why do you remind me of Kiloana?

RM: WHO?

RP: Never mind. We'll be in Circhester. Good luck.

FS: bye~~

-renewedPhilologist left the conversation-

-programusInterruptus, trustedAnchorman, floofSpooder, zangooseLover, and raucousMongoose left the conversation-

The Wild Area

(And with that said, Braker puts his phone away and turns to face Walter and Cuddles.)

Braker: "Alright, you two. We'll come back here after the battles are done. For now... are you two ready to see Circhester Gym battles?"

Walter: <Indeed.>

Cuddles: (jumping up on Braker's shoulder) <You bet I am~!>

Edited by OPALGARNET16 on May 20th 2021 at 4:59:12 AM

Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅

Hammerlocke Banquet

-Mason blinks, and stares-

Mason: ...Right. Yes.

-He awkwardly shuffles away to find a different part of the banquet hall-

---

Rogue: Hah. I take it the invitation's accepted, then? I'd hate to be disappointed that my beloved nemesis decided to be a no-show.

-As Tommy and Jane approach, Rogue gives a polite wave and nod of acknowledgement.-

Hammerlocke Banquet

-Gaia's visor is as opaque as always, but her response to Rogue seems to indicate defiance - or at least, an actor's facsimile of it, with faint amusement beneath.-

Gaia: So you wish to challenge me? You could at least have tossed me a glove. Nevertheless, I accept. After all, I could hardly leave a provocation from my closest rival unanswered, could I?

-Meanwhile, Shun blinks at the sudden familial revelation from Tommy and Gimbal.-

Shun: Oh, u-um. That must be nice. To be able to reconnect like that, I mean. Not that I would know.

-He averts his gaze once again, but while his cheeks still seem quite impressively warm, his voice manages to maintain more of a firm and level tone.-

Shun: ...I don't. Like them, I mean. But one of my superiors thought that participating in the Galar League would be a much-needed public relations boost, particularly if we were partnered with a member of a group with a well-established image such as the Aurabolts. Such a partnership would allow us to monitor their activities whilst piggybacking off of their success - and hence, I was chosen as a liaison.

-He doesn't say it, but his tone implies an additional "even though there are more important things I could be doing". If Gaia notices this, she gives no inclination of such.-

Gaia: He's proven quite an able partner for someone whose skills lie largely outside the competitive battle circuit. Though I must admit, due to my many other commitments progress through the Galar League has been slower than I would like. Kabu was quite a formidable opponent, as was Bea.

-She tilts her head at Jane.-

Gaia: Which reminds me, I ought to ask. Should I consider this a formal interview, or is this strictly off the books? I hasten to add that I'm not adverse to more informal relations, I simply like to know what I'm getting into ahead of time.

Edited by Herbert40k on May 6th 2021 at 2:17:44 PM

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

Federation Station, Assassin Cornered

Oh crap.

-With the structure ripping apart around her, Gale took two actions as quickly as she could: The first was to open comms back up to the Defiant Wing-

Bring the ship around, we might end up spaced!

-The second one was to start trying to come up with a construct shape that could be used to contain the assassin if they ended up pulled into the void as well...-

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Bishop's voice responded back, "We aren't operational yet. The drive systems are still down for repairs."

The paneling started to rip, revealing the inner workings, thank Arceus the assassin wasn't intent on ripping the station apart... if they could.

Arthur continued to close the distance.

The Pen leaned over Gale's shoulders, I have a construct in mind for ending this quickly... you may not like it, but the sooner this is done the better, no?

Gale would feel something coalesce in her hands, All you have to do... is throw it. Will you?

Hammerlocke Feast

Jane: Hmmm, I dunno if we could. We're mostly here to cover the J-Team and after coordinating with a few other team members, this is a tall order that we can't really deviate from.

Tommy: I mean, if you could comment on your thoughts on them participating in the league, that's actually up our alley.

Jane: Don't sweat yourself, Ms. Gaia. It's not an interview unless you want to comment on something J-Team related. As would you, Officer Hontou.

Tommy: Speaking of which, Ms. Gaia, once this thing blows over, would you be open for an interview with the Geographic Society? I understand that our Unova Office is... ahem, not exactly super-friendly toward do-gooders in tights. That said, Hank Harvey's earlier lightning rod wasn't exactly known for wearing tights.

Jane: Yeah, get an official statement or two to rustle up my dad's jimmies something fierce. Of course, if you'd rather find a kindred spirit, Officer, you can catch my father's program. Inasmuch as Tommy and I disagree with him, I concede that a non-insignificant number of points he brings up are... valid.

Tommy: Certainly putting it charitably.

Jane: Well, he's half right.

Tommy: I bet it hurts just to say it.

Jane: Yes. Absolutely.

Tommy: Want me to tell him about it?

Jane: You will do no such thing.

Edited by MasterJayAM on May 8th 2021 at 2:43:25 AM

Jackal stepped forward, observing the shifting areas, "Don't worry about the name too hard, we can call you something simple for now like Rookie," he said to Star.

The party advanced deeper and deeper, Jackal remembering his distaste for the Metaverse.

They would eventually reach the Palace, it was... a studio. There was a gate, filming and photoshoot areas.

"Obelisk what do we have on Isabelle?" Jackal asked.

"Judging by her social media profile Captain, she is a filmography and photography student, she looks to make a career out of these. Her profile reads that she's been using a camera since she was 11, it seems to be a big part of her identity."

Jackal tilted his head, "So this is her palace then."

Hammerlocke Banquet, past

I can sense some tension there...

-Just nods in understanding-

Mementos?

-Upon seeing the Palace-

The fuck? What is a Palace doing here?

Pink: <Something is deeply wrong, wronger than usual for the Metaverse.>

No keywords for this probable Palace and we just "end up" at this place through Mementos? This guy is definitely dangerous, or being backed by people who are. But just who are his backers? Between this and what Lambrakis said after we defeated her Shadow, I'm starting to have my suspicions...

Edited by rmctagg09 on May 8th 2021 at 3:30:45 PM

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Ballonlea Stadium, VS Bede

Me: Raru, use Shadow Sneak!

Evelyn: Mirai, use Magical Leaf!

-Raru surrounds himself in a shadowy aura and punches the ground. Mirai surrounds herself in magical, rainbow-colored leaves and launches them at Bede's Gardevoir, striking her through the Light Screen barrier. A shadowy copy of Raru appears behind Gardevoir and punches her in the back through the Reflect barrier.-

Bede: I must say, your performance is most impressive. Now, Gardevoir, use Energy Ball!

Gardevoir: <Be this the extent of thy magic? For now, I shall show you mine.>

-Gardevoir closes her eyes, chants something under her breath and invokes the power of nature surrounding her into a sphere of energy which she launches at Raru and Mirai, the blast knocking them backwards.-

Evelyn: Mirai, use Helping Hand!

Me: Raru, use Psychic!

-Mirai nods to Evelyn. Her eyes then glow in a rainbow of colors and summons psychic energy pompoms surrounding her hands and dances around, flailing them about in a cheer before gingerly touching Raru on the forehead and dispersing the power through him. Raru's eyes then glow a mystical purple with greater intensity than before and unleashes a powerful psychic wave at Bede's Gardevoir, pushing her back.-

Bede: Now, Gardevoir! Show them the true force of your magic! Use Mystical Fire!

Gardevoir: <Prepare thyselves!>

Mystical Fire: Powerful Fire Spell, Weakens Ability to use Magic
-Gardevoir chants a spell under her breath and surrounds herself in a crimson aura. Her gestures draw out a glowing crimson magic circle in the air in front of her.-

-A pulse is emitted by the magic circle, followed by an arcane blast of fire colored crimson, orange, blue and purple directed at Raru and Mirai.-

Me: Raru!

Evelyn: Mirai!

Wild Area

Dalt: <You know me well, Kim. And if I recall correctly, you helped me and the other Pokémon set up accounts on Hasslemon. And I hope you know this... Why is my Hasslemon handle "canusVoltus"?>

Hammerlocke Banquet

Evelyn: -smiles to Colton and TBD- So... What did you two think?

Me: -to Hoops- I assure you, Hoops. Kec and friends are in good hands.

Mementos?

Joybringer: Whoa... So this is a Palace? I've never been in here before.

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

Hammerlocke Banquet, Past

Blair just waves him goodbye.

Aislinn: "Oh, but that's probably a bit of a depressing topic huh? Sorry about that. How're you enjoying the banquet so far?"

Mementos

"... Yeah I think just about every part of this smells fishy."

off the shits

Mementos....?

Star: Hmm....How about Lioness? Since Luxio. -she nods to herself.- Yeah. I think I like that.

-the group gets moving, and eventually comes across a Palace-

Lioness: Wait, what's the problem? Does this mean she lied and her heart is the corrupted one, or...?

Federation Station - Pursuit!

Hold up I need more info, what is this construct!?

-Gale stared at the object, her mind immediately flashing to panicked thoughts of worst-case scenarios of what this could be-

If this thing kills people then I am really not going to be happy at you!

-She hesitated, a poor choice and one that removed any agency she had in what was about to happen-

Hammerlocke Banquet, Dragon Time

Luperian: It was okay. Not as good as ours.

Takcorian: We may be biased.

Mementos - A Palace?

-Rakash takes a deep breath-

Edward Thames was a Persona-user empowered by a terribly strong entity within the Metaverse. He wielded a fragment of said entity and was chosen to spread a fog within the waking world. I wasn't part of his defeat, a couple of folks who I haven't seen in years took him on while the rest of the gang at the time fought against an army of Reaper Personae that Edward was able to command.

-He actually lets out a little bit of a sigh-

... I'll be honest, I'm kinda sad that it seems like I'm kinda the only one from that first group that still remains to fight the Palace Owners— wait no, Daze was there too. Still, it's kinda a stark reminder that a lot of J-Teamers from as little two or three years ago are mostly gone too...

-Trying to shake off the feelings cropping up, he took a look at the Palace budding off the Metaverse tunnel-

This is starting to look like less of 'someone on our level' and more of an Edward Thames throwback...

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

The Pen sighed and made the construct clear, We have a limited window, it's a trident.

Indeed it was, a two pronged trident that seemed wide enough to pin the Medicham to the wall without skewering them, You have a limited window, this is the fastest thing I could think of to end this relatively peacefully. GO!

Clutch was closing the distance fast, and seemed intent on breaking bone.

Jackal blinked, "This... this doesn't seem right. And according to all of you, this isn't supposed to happen. We've been walking for... what? 15 minutes? Half an hour?"

"Approximately 28.4 minutes Captain, you have taken about 5000-6000 steps," Bishop noted.

Jackal tilted his head, "Okay... so while looking for Daniel, we found the palace of Isabelle... I think maybe. Rakash did suggest investigating her... and maybe his obsession twisted his palace to-"

Bishop sighed, "Captain if I may suggest. We will only know once we step inside and see."

Hammerlocke Banquet

Evelyn: Well, that much seems apparent. One ought to be proud of their work.

Me: -to TBD- Though there are some things we've done that we shouldn't be proud of... Isn't that ri-

-Ian is swiftly interrupted by Evelyn using her magic on him^note With a wave of her wand, she opens Kako's Poké Ball and knocks Ian out with hypnosis... Then he sleepily smashes face-first into the pavement sound asleep.-

Evelyn: -to TBD, laughing- Please excuse my friend. He's still a little suspicious of you two.

Ballonlea Stadium, VS Bede

Me: Raru, use Shadow Sneak!

Evelyn: Mirai, use Life Dew, then tag out with Kako!

-Raru surrounds himself in a shadowy aura and punches the ground, conjuring a shadowy copy of himself who punches through Gardevoir's Reflect Barrier. Mirai focuses her mind and gathers moisture from the air into a rainbow-colored dewdrop with healing properties which she scatters on herself and Raru before being called back to her Ball and switched out with her brother, Kako.-

Bede: Interesting strategy, Evelyn... But it won't save you from the extent of Gardevoir's magic! Use Shadow Ball!

Me: Raru, use Magical Leaf!

Evelyn: Kako, use your Shadow Ball!

-Gardevoir and Kako conjure the shadows around them into energy spheres and throw them at each other, while Raru summons a flurry of rainbow-colored leaves and launches them at Gardevoir with the flourish of a dancer.-

Mementos, What's a Palace Doing Here?

Joybringer: Ah. That makes sense, and if this guy has a Persona like Edward Thames does, then BOY are we in for a fight!

-Beat-

Joybringer: So, what's our marching order?

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...