Stormchaser, Pastoria Bubble

-as people's wishes start filtering in, Star starts focusing on her own-

Star: -thinking- (I still wonder if I'm truly a part of all this...and as much as the chaos weirds me out sometimes, the J-team wouldn't be the same without it. It wouldn't be the same if this crazy little family became more like an army. I know what the J-team means to me, and that's...)

Edited by stargirl93 on Jun 25th 2021 at 1:40:59 PM

Addie: <Things change. Things end sometimes, that's the way of the world. But the good friends will stay; the times will stick with you. It's not ending yet, treasure the moments and turn to the future with a smile.>

-she gives her a bright, squirrely smile-

<Breathe with me, okay?>

Stormchaser, J-Meeting:

-the sonic Assist takes hold, and their emotions and powers meld-

Logan: I was introduced to the J-Team years before I joined, trailing along in its wake to clean up the mess they left behind.

Logan: -chewing their lip- ...I was introduced to the J-Team years before I joined, after they broke through a problem no one else could, practically without trying.

-their fingers fly over the strings—the Capture Lines, thrumming with their thoughts as they come-

Logan: The J-Team, to me, is...a contradiction. A paradox. Mostly Trainers, endlessly destructive, an organizer's impossible dream—

Logan: -snort- One of the kinds that barely makes sense after. Write that down, throw it at Alyssa or someone.

It's needed, it's loved, it's feared, it's a disaster the way getting flooded with endangered insects is a disaster. A cataclysm, not a catastrophe.

Logan: -tuning their ear to the room's emotional tenor- And for a lot of people, it's home. A stunning amount, really—the sort of thing I've tried for so long to create. And they barely try.

Strange or uncomfortable or outright disastrous—come one, come all, the J-Team is open. Welcome.

Logan: The real stock in trade of an Area Ranger is community. With a little elbow grease, this...this has been, could be one worth keeping. Dysfunctions and all.

Logan: -strum- ...yeah. It could be good.

-they press their knee to Megan's shoulder—charge to ground, flowing in full-

Hiro: I'm not being entirely honest. I know exactly what this is.

-his eyes fixed on the conduit board, he squints—and several misaimed junctions light up-

Hiro: These are the heroes.

-Megan goes ah and scrambles to course correct-

Hiro: These are the protagonists, who tow the world in their wake. A ragtag band of misfits; the one-in-a-million shot that can't possibly miss.

-and he blows these thoughts into ash and dust-

Hiro: The J-Team is a creation of dozens of minds, scrambling for entertainment or connection or validation; catharsis or satisfaction or just trying to put a little light in the world. Just a little light.

-he blows one last note and sets the flute down-

Hiro: Is it time for me to be here? This is the staging ground on which the world rests—is there room for me?

Hiro: -putting a glowing hand on Megan's shoulder- I'm excited to find out.

-heat flows through her into the ship-

Megan: ...I don't know.

Logan: …

Hiro: …

Megan: Maybe I did at one point, but I…

I tried to burn this to the ground. What right do I have for it to mean anything to me?

-...-

Vee: ...Meg, do you remember telling me why you stayed, a month ago?

Megan: I…

Megan: -small- I told you?

-Vee lets out a little rumble-

Vee: -purr- An awful lot of effort to go through to find people I'd be willin' to eat, huh?

-Megan is very, very quiet-

Vee: Say yer piece. We can stay or we can go; I follow you, always. What did it mean to you, then? What does it mean to you now?

Even if you don' understand, isn' it better to get somethin' down an' figure it out later? Always better t' create.

Megan: …

Megan: -closing her eyes- Tell me you believe in me. The way you always do, when I lose my nerve. The kind I have to live up to.

Vee: -soft- <<You don' have anythin' to prove. You don' have to set your mind to every task that's set in fron' of you. But I thin' you want to do this, an' I'd love to see you try. I'm behind you all the way.>>-

-Megan...bites her tongue, trembles somewhere deep in her core-

-and she says it-

-one drop lands in the circuitry-

-I wish, and the Stormchaser's nerves shine silver-

Edited by Asterisk395 on Jun 25th 2021 at 11:21:15 AM

Stormchaser Meeting

Kim: (in tears) "O-okay..."

(She takes a few deep, calming breaths along with Addie.)

Kaizone, past

Brie: ...Oh.

-she sits cross-legged in front of Kai-

Brie: ...That sucks. I'm sorry.

Stormchaser, Meeting Room

Amanita: You know, it's been forever since I was here.

Brie: Cause you've been getting high in the Wild Area.

Amanita: Well, yeah, but...I mean, I just don't come here much. I've got my own things going on.

It's so weird, being here, and seeing everyone just sort of...okay with it. Things aren't so great at home right now.

Brie: Because your family is in thrall to a bunch of mushrooms.

Amanita: Because my family is in thrall to a bunch of mushrooms, yeah.

Applause the Galarian Slowking: <Nothing wrong with a little enthrallment now and then.>

Quickdraw the Galarian Slowbro: -jabs him with her Shellder- <Too soon.>

Applause: <Who said you could speak to me?>

Brie: ...Should we help them?

Amanita: It's weird, they...seem happy? And my parents weren't always, and Lepiota isn't a lot, and I don't know if I want to take that away from them. I mean, if that's what they need for fulfillment...

Brie: Amanita, your family is controlled by Parasect. I think we should help them.

Zebub: <Yeah, Parasect infestation is the leading cause of death in Morelull.>

Quickdraw: <No part of that was true or relevant?>

Amanita: I'm getting there! It's just...so crazy that I can come here and I'm welcome. It's like I never left.

Brie: Okay, but circling back to your family being controlled by Parasect—

Amanita: I think that's what I want for other people. A place to come back to.

Brie: Right, but seriously, your family is controlled by mushrooms.

Amanita: Aren't you going to wish?

Brie: Yeah, but that's easy, right? I was just this lonely girl with some Pokemon that mostly I got along with professionally, and then...well, I'm part of something. There are people who aren't related or contractually obligated who might care if I die. So that's what we need. A place to reach out.

Amanita: You're a pretty cool person, you know that?

Brie: I actually do, and it is entirely thanks to this weird yellow airship.

Amanita: So, what have I missed? What happened to your face—

Brie: Hey look, my egg is hatching, isn't that cool?

Amanita: Wh—

-Yanma-

Amanita: ...

Brie: ...

Amanita: Cute...

Yanma♀: Yan?

Brie: Yeah, it doesn't get less strange, to be honest.

Yanma: Yanma!

Brie: I mean...maybe a little less weird sometimes. But...not really.

Yanma: -flaps wings at supersonic speed, drying them instantly-

Brie: Yeah, pretty much how it goes. Welcome to the planet, Hesperid.

Amanita: You pick the weirdest names.

Stormchaser, Megan Zone

-PEFE!Every is casually taking down some notes. Her eyes are oddly bright-

PEFE!Every: It's obvious, of course. I was barely half a person, once, and now I have friends, purpose, some confidence. This is a place to evolve.

Stormchaser, Ever's room

-Ever is eavesdropping. Never mind how-

Ever: ...

-they send out Misery, who is back to Hatterene mode-

Misery: <Oh. Long time.>

Ever: Sorry. I try not to usually.

Misery: <Don't worry. I spent most of it compiling some notes on the techniques applied in the battle with Molybdenum, cross-checking them against my own abilities, and employing them for use in establishing a channel of communication between myself and...> (derogatory) <Him.>

Ever: He's a nice enough mon.

Misery: <He's everything I disliked about myself distilled. I think it would be derelict of me not to despise him.>

Ever: I think it's hard to love the parts of ourselves that feel broken. Maybe it's harder when we know we can just cut them away.

Misery: <Ah, so this isn't really about me, is it?>

Ever: It's about you in a roundabout sense. I'm feeding two birds with one scone here.>

Misery: <But maximally, this is relevant to the years of tampering your mind has undergone, including the current elements thereof. Relax. I prefer not to be psychoanalyzed when I'm trying to psychoanalyze someone.>

Ever: You are a very perceptive little sprite. But nobody has tampered with my mind.

Misery: <Hm.>

Ever: We're supposed to make our wishes now. What I want is—

A place of safety.

-...-

-...-

-they open their mouth-

Misery: <Your thoughts have diverted.>

Ever: ...They have, haven't they?

Misery: <Profoundly.>

Ever: Damn. It's easier to be soulless than vulnerable, Misery, piece of advice.

Misery: (primly) <I naturally have no idea what you mean.>

Ever: I want...I wish...for a place of healing.

-and something snaps in their mind-

Ever: ...Ah.

I. Huh.

-they let out a little giggle-

-a smaller sniffle-

Ever: Ladies and fae, I do think we found our mark.

Edited by memyselfandI2 on Jun 25th 2021 at 8:03:01 AM

"What does the J-Team mean to me?" Silas asked, he looked to Roxy.

The two smiled, and said, "Change."

"The J-team is change, you take people and change them from who they used to be, into someone more," Roxy said, "If I never connected with you, I never would have given this new way of existence a chance."

"I first met you guys in 2015, I was a simple tech geek and rumor hunter back them," Silas admitted, "The me from then, if he saw me now would be confused. I am not the simple man from back then, I'm... better... happier. Whole."

Roxy nodded, "And I've connected with people, tried new things, got so much going on, I'm happy with who I am. I am happy to be here and to know all of you! I want to keep exploring and trying new things, all thanks to you."

Silas smiled, actually smiled a big smile, "You are all my family, my clan, I would not be who I am now were it not for your influence. The J-Team is change, for better or for worse, and I would dare not miss it."

"Change," Bishop said, "That is what the J-Team means to the Grant family."

The Stormchaser

(Braker sits there, wondering what the J-Team means to him. He turns to face Walter, and then Cuddles, who looks up at him. Meanwhile, Kim eventually fully calms down and blinks, looking around a bit. Soon enough, she looks up and sees...)

Kim: (in disbelief) "U-Uxie...?"

(She stands up and walks back towards the main group— particularly Braker— and blinks.)

Kim: "W-what happened? Why is Uxie here?"

(And then she notices the people glowing in unusual auras.)

Kim: "Why is everybody glowing?"

Braker: "They're making a wish. They're thinking about what the J-Team means to them."

Kim: "What the J-Team means to them...?"

Braker: "Indeed. So, Kim... what does it mean to you?"

(Kim pauses, and looks down at the 22 PokeBalls that she has in her purse— then over at the other members of the J-Team, particularly Ian, Evelyn, Colton, and Kamui. Seconds later, the memories begin flooding back to her: the day she first met Ian and Evelyn; the day she first met Colton and Kamui; the Battle of the Bands; her heart-to-heart with 9-Volt in the stands of the Stow-on-Side Gym; the tree battle with Hoops in Ballonlea; the day she first met Braker. Everything starts flooding back to her, and she turns to face Ian, Evelyn, Colton, Kamui, and Braker in particular as she begins to speak.)

Kim: "What does the J-Team mean to me...?"

(A pause.)

Kim: "You don't know how much."

(Another pause. Kim sits down.)

Kim: "I'd like to apologize for the panic attack that I had earlier, but... I couldn't bear the thought of the J-Team disbanding. They mean everything to me. I've met so many people and Pokemon who have changed my life forever and made me into the person I am today, and... I don't think I can start talking about what the J-Team means to me without acknowledging them first and everything they've done."

(She turns to face Ian and Evelyn.)

Kim: " Ian... Evelyn... you two are probably the best friends I've ever had in my life. I always worried before I met you that I wouldn't have that many friends besides Paul, but you two reached out to me and were willing to help me and talk to me as soon as I joined the J-Team. You've stayed by my side ever since then, and let me just say that my life has been infinitely better with you two around. You've brought joy and hope to my life every single day just by being who you are, and I don't know where I'd be without you. Thank you."

(She turns to face Colton and Kamui next.)

Kim: " Colton... Kamui... without you two, I wouldn't be able to understand my Pokemon— and my Pokemon wouldn't be able to turn into humans. You were the ones who gave me the Sliding Scale Choker, and for all intents and purposes, I love using it." (She sighs.) "I'll be honest, though. When I joined the J-Team, I had... certain behaviors towards you that I've sincerely come to regret. I'll be honest, back then when I was texting you consistently and trying to learn Japanese from you, I initially thought that your responses towards me were... rather harsh. And... while I do appreciate your recent civility towards me, I think I fully understand the true meaning of all those snide remarks. You wanted to help me. You wanted me to see the error of my ways and become a better person. And in a way, thanks to you... I feel confident in saying that I have. So... thank you. I'm truly sorry."

(She then sighs, looking down at Colton's PokeBalls.)

Kim: " 9-Volt... you're not out right now. I don't know if you can hear me. But if you can... I want you to know that that conversation we had at the Stow-on-Side Gym changed my life forever. When I first got that notification a few months after New Year's Eve, I felt devastated. I didn't have any faith in myself as a member of the J-Team and I felt immensely guilty for having these feelings of jealousy towards your Trainer. I didn't think I could improve or repair my relationships at all. And yet... not only did you want to help me, you had faith in me. You thought I could improve, and that I was a good person. And that was something I desperately needed to hear at a time like that. Most importantly, though, you were the one who ultimately made me realize that just being a member of the J-Team was a cause to celebrate, and that I should be content with where I am and what I've done in my life. And now... I feel more content as a member of the J-Team than I have ever felt before. Thank you. So much. I hope you can hear me. I hope you realize what your words truly meant to me."

(She turns her gaze away from Colton, and looks around the room.)

Kim: " Hoops... you're not in this room today. But I feel like you deserve a mention, because you also played a part in me coming to that realization. We've had some great times together— exploring the Slumbering Weald, and battling together... and I'm still very concerned about you after what happened in Ballonlea. I hope you're alright. I hope you continue to learn and grow. I hope that we continue to have more fun times together in the future. I'd like to thank you as well for the conversation that we had in the stands of Stow-on-Side. It got me thinking about why I was here and what being a member of the J-Team actually meant just as much as the conversation with 9-Volt did. So, even though you're not at this meeting, I want to still thank you. For everything."

(And then finally, she turns her attention to Braker, Walter and Cuddles.)

Kim: "Finally... Braker. We've only met quite recently, and you've already helped me. Namely, you've not only given me someone else to talk to besides Ian, Evelyn, and Colton, but you're my current minder. You're the one who keeps reminding me to keep my flaws in check, in a similar manner to Colton and Kamui, and your Pokemon are equally just as helpful. Walter is immensely patient, and Cuddles..." (She smiles over at Cuddles.) "He might just be the most adorable Galvantula I've ever met. Regardless, it feels nice to have someone new to talk to, and in the future, I look forward to talking with you some more."

(Kim promptly turns back to face the entire group.)

Kim: "I wouldn't have met you if I hadn't joined the J-Team. I wouldn't be the person who I am today if I hadn't joined the J-Team. I know that at some point the adventures are probably going to end, but for now... I think I know the real reason why I wanted to join the J-Team. I thought I wanted to join it to learn Monese, go on multiverse-saving quests, and do big things. But now, that I'm thinking back on all the people and Pokemon who have helped me in my quest, including my own Pokemon, who I'm immensely grateful for... I realize the truth.

"What I really wanted was friendship.

"What I really wanted was to belong.

"And that's my wish. Because for the first time as a member of the J-Team... I finally feel like I belong."

(Seconds later, she starts glowing in a green aura, which joins the other members of the J-Team. Braker, touched, sits there for a few moments— and then stands up.)

Braker: "Then I wish the same."

(He starts glowing in a red aura, and so do Walter and Cuddles.)

Edited by OPALGARNET16 on Jun 26th 2021 at 1:02:55 PM

Stormchaser Meeting, past

Victini: -Starts glowing-

What does the J-Team mean to me? Well, apart from what I've already mentioned...

Home...

Family...

Justice...

We mean refuge to the weak and downtrodden...

Mercy even to our enemies, a reminder that it's never truly too late to change...

And serve as the embodiment of wrath to the wicked and powerful...

-And thinking of two people in particular-

Love...

I know things won't be easy, this won't solve absolutely everything, but it definitely bodes well for what comes after. We may end up having more fights again, but we'll come back even stronger afterwards. That is the way of the J-Team.

-Blinks to activate my Aura Sense, the connection threads between everyone becoming clear-

Uxie:' -Forehead gem glows briefly-

And now...

-And so, whether such a declaration was made out loud or solely to themselves, everyone's Aura threads turn visible and start forming into a sigil on the wall-

-Perhaps even those not at the meeting feel a similar urge to wish where the J-Team is concerned, their connections possibly joining the greater sigil-

And so, with the legends as our witnesses, let our wishes be declared so.

-The sigil then takes many shapes, likely of symbols relevant to those present, ending with a "J" before disappearing-

-The air is still, nothing having seemingly happened at first-

-But then...-

What is that... feeling?

-The Stormchaser has been a home for many people over nearly seven years, yes, but for those assembled that feeling of home increases to even greater levels-

-It could be argued that for a while the Stormchaser has had some degree of limited awareness, but perhaps through everyone's combined wishes, Megan's re-wiring, Star's Aura donation in particular in tandem with the connections joining the sigil, the actions of the legendaries present, and/or even more, a new presence comes into sharp focus. No physical manifestation appears before those assembled right then and there, but the airship hums with what can only be described as the embodiment of something alive and fully intelligent, separate from Trojan in its systems-

Uxie: Congratulations J-Team, reality has shifted to fulfill your combined wishes. By Heart, Mind, and Soul, as long as you remember who and what you are, you and the Stormchaser will remain intertwined, as your shared demesne. It will not only serve as your home, but also, if need be, your protector.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jun 26th 2021 at 3:23:50 PM

Stormchaser, J-Meeting - Rise

Hiro: …

Logan: …

Megan: …

Megan: -quietly- oh.

-Logan, experimentally, plays a chord of greeting...-

-and feels the walls hum friendly tidings back-

Logan: Well, uh.

Logan: Congratulations! It's an airship!

Hiro: no.

Megan: aaaaa

Hiro: -waving hands- No gender reveal parties for this one, with this crew it'll burn Galar to sea level.

Logan: -patting the wall, friendly-like- I look forward to getting to know you personally, Stormchaser. ^_^

(-Megan, her hands to her face—notices the tears that beaded a moment ago-)

(-she scrubs them viciously away and turns back to her work-)

Megan: -Uh, Vee, get—get that paneling back on. We don't wanna leave—them—exposed...?

Vee: -faintly- <You got it, Meg.>

-she starts removing wires and screwing-

Vee: -...thrilled—quietly, for once- <Everyone's hearts beating as one...I could feel it. Logan didja ever think we'd feel that again…? I can still hear it deep within the ship, it's so warm…>

Hiro: -   staring    into the rafters- It's...it's all true. Sweet Reshi, I didn't think this was possible...

Stormchaser Meeting Room

Kamui and Colt shake their heads in unison, wondering what came over them as the Stormchaser comes to life around them somewhat. It might just be their imagination but there's a warmth to the room, like how a bed is warmer when shared with someone.

"Hm, if there's Heart, Mind and Soul in this," Kamui started. "Does the ship have those attributes? How would they translate, anyway?"

"I don't want to imagine a Gold Voice in my brain," Colt shuddered. "Even an allied one.

"I guess we have a new leader now?" He figured, changing the subject. "I mean, all those wishes and whatnot, desires and stuff, all that's what gave Stormchaser life. Probably gonna adhere to them like two nickels in the vacuum of space."

Stormchaser

Kaiiseii: "Huh."

Isbrand: -no longer leaning on the wall- "Well, I do talk to the Rout a lot. Even before Penny."

Penny: "Think we could do this to her?"

Isbrand: "The 'Chaser's unique. She's special. Also, I'm not risking making life. That's not my field."

Shaun: "Hello, friend."

-Tentatively, Elizabeth pokes out with her telepathy...-

-There's a huge presence . And it's not Uxie.-

Jessica: "...man do I feel weird now."

Kaiiseii: "...I guess this technically isn't in His domain. On a technicality."

Shaun: -to Colt- "A symbolic leader, maybe. But she's - uh, the Stormchaser is and has been a symbol for us. Almost as much as that J. But the responsibility falls to us. As always."

-He turns to Uxie, inclining his head respectfully.-

Stormchaser

-Pef yelps and falls out of the vent, hissing like a cat-

PEFE!Every: Oh, so when Uxie creates life, it's a miracle of friendship, but when I do it I'm "threatening the fabric of reality" and "no longer welcome at this DVS". I see how it is.

Edited by memyselfandI2 on Jun 26th 2021 at 1:52:38 AM

Stormchaser Meeting

Daydre shivers involuntary as the feeling washes over her. Not a bad shiver, mind you, it's a pretty good shiver all things considered. An extra tingle in the back of her brain joins the rest, somewhat faint but present nonetheless.

"... Huh. That's.. Pretty cool."

She awkwardly pats a wall.

Unova

Ama twitches. Something felt.. off. Like there was a sudden change in the air.

Unbidden, years old feelings of camaraderie and affection well up in her chest, tinged with the knowledge that no matter how hard she remembers or tries those days won't come back. A knot forms in her throat, despite her efforts to quash it.

She looks off into the distance. Somehow, despite how far she is, it's in the direction of the Stormchaser.

Kaizone — Past

-Kai nods slowly-

Kai: Yeah. I was... planning on visiting them and seeing how they're holding up, since I heard they're at least alive and physically okay now. Everything still kind of hurts but it's not bad enough that I can't walk around the airship.

J-Meeting — Now

-Kai looks around, eyes wide.-

Kai: ...That's... wow. That's amazing. But... what does it mean, exactly?

Mason: What does it mean?

-Kai glances at Mason, who — instead of having the same look of wonder and awe — has gone deathly pale.-

Lee house, locked door

Hazel: Now you mention it, it is pretty suspicious. What do you think we should do?

Stormchaser meeting room

Lila left a short while ago because everyone else's emotions were getting a bit much for her. Eva and Danny are lurking in a corner. Saffy is also lurking in a different corner.

Kal's mindscape, past

Kal: Soft?

Kal?: Yeah, soft. If you don't pull yourself together you'll get us liquidated faster than you can say "oh look there's a templar!"

Kal: We're safe here for now, though. This place seems pretty secure.

'Kal?: Safety? Secure? That's what they always said. Lies, all of it. Just because it's safe now doesn't mean the next day someone won't come busting in. We can't let our guard down just because these people are being nice.

Kal: Come on, just a few more weeks. If you let us rest and completely get over this bug then we'll be stronger.

Kal?: Why do we need to wait? They won't wait. If they find out where we are, they're not going to wait for you to get over your stupid bug. If it really takes that long to get over a simple cold it's clearly faulty genes.

Kal: Wha- When did genes come into this?

Kal?: Don't you remember? Of course you wouldn't. That was always my job.

Kal: Your job?

Kal?: You wouldn't understand. Anyway, we're getting off topic. You need to get back on track of things.

Yew house, present

Kal is making paper airplanes and flying them around with telekinesis.

Radium: <I wonder whether we'll meet any others someday.>

Kal: What do you mean?

Radium: <You know, other people from the school. We can't be the only ones who got out.>

Kal: Who knows? I don't really feel like going searching any time soon. No matter what part of me apparently thinks, this place seems safe for now.

Radium: <Part of you?>

Kal: It's complicated, but it seems that construct of me didn't completely disappear along with the rest of our world.

Radium: <Oh.>

Stormchaser Meeting

The two elderly men looked at the spectacle before them. They sat down and continued to observe in silence.

Prof. Yew: I take it that you've nothing to wish for, Dr. Albright?

Reynard: What's there to wish for? I've two sons who grew up sorta okay. I spent a good deal of my time on Arceus' green Earth raising my grandchildren. I fell in love and spent an entire lifetime with the most wonderful person I've ever met. And in the scant time I spent with the J-Team, I've finally moved on from losing her. I'm turning 89. If I had to wish for something, it wouldn't be for me.

Prof. Yew: I understand the feeling. Had I had this opportunity a few years ago, I would've seized it. Time has tempered my desires. There was no way Eric and I would ever get back together. And don't think I didn't try dating after him. A long line of ladies and gents and everyone else with broken hearts.

Reynard: Wow, you're a regular Giacomo Casanova.

Prof. Yew: I have nothing to wish for myself. I've lived an affluent life of privilege, and I was fortunate enough to have shared it with others that they may live their lives. And I'm not in want of an heir. My niece grew up with me and she and her true love are starting a life together. I don't need to read your mind to know that you'd want to ask why I asked if I didn't want to just not walk with crutches. And I figured you're not asking for more time.

Reynard: I don't have long in this world, and frankly, I don't think I want to stay too long. I'm pretty sure someone's there waiting for me on the other side. I don't want to keep her waiting too long. She told me once that if she's coming back the way Primo did, she'd doing it with me or not at all. The J-Team made me realize, after a very long time searching, what I wanted to do with my golden years. Rather than spend my final years bein' a cranky grandpa in a corner, I want to spend it doing something worthwhile.

Prof. Yew: Your sons will not appreciate it.

Reynard: I did well by those boys, but they'll need to do a bit more growing up. Ritchie needs to do right by his kids, and Gavin and Galen need to give their old man another chance. Let's not get started with Norbert.

Prof. Yew: My Hayley was never a problem growing up. She had a phase but apparently that was normal teenage girl behaviour.

Reynard: Looks like we both have nothing to wish for ourselves. At least not anything we didn't accept could never be changed.

Prof. Yew: Aye. What this airship meant for me was hope. I went to the J-Team to ask for their help. I could never do this alone. My family and I were thankful we managed to save one child. My only wish is that this hope is never extinguished.

Reynard: For the children you— we want to save. Hope for a better life for those whose futures were taken from them. For anyone who would need it.

Prof. Yew: A beacon for people and pokémon can turn to.

Reynard: That's something worth more than a thousand lifetimes.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Jun 28th 2021 at 1:00:22 AM

Stormchaser

-It takes Shaun a moment to put it together. The lightshow and...sapient-izing of the Stormchaser distracted him.-

-Why is Mason pale?-

-Why is he so off-put by the event and Kai's words?-

-All the J-Team did was use their souls - wishes, Aura, faetouch...Obscura - to make a living...being...-

-Oh.-

Shaun: -squeezing Mason's hand and whispering- "Want to step out for a bit? Talk?"

J-Team Meeting

-The glow from Ur ceases basically right after the light show of magic, but the wings remain behind Pentigan for a little longer given that the one they belong to is too stunned and lost in thought to put them back away-

Okay. Good. It worked question mark. ... We just. We just gave our vessel of choice a big ball of power based on the mystical connections between people didn't we? ... We did that, gave it a bonds engine? Aaaaa.

-He snaps to his senses and the wings fold back and are no longer extant-

Well. If this meeting is over, I should be getting back to Angela...

Stormchaser Meeting, past

Victini: -Also stops glowing- <Okay, that felt weird.>

-To Colt and Kamui-

I'm... not sure actually, my invocations were mainly symbolic, but symbolism has a very heavy weight in rituals such as these one.

Uxie: The presence of the Victinis and I served to stabilize it. Knowledge, victory, and luck, a twinge of order in your swirling chaos. But make no mistake, this is your doing, and something only you all could do. As mentioned before, your enemies will find it harder to act in here in general, if they can even come in at all. At the least, luck and victory will always be weighed in your favor here. As for all the full details, that's something you all will learn with time.

Remember, a living being is an immense responsibility, so treat your home with respect.

-To me-

Your mission here in Galar remains the same, Tagg, as per our discussion.

-To Uxie-

It does, albeit slower going than I thought it'd be, Rakshasa's doing well I think.

Rakshasa: -In his hoodie, having been here the whole time-

Yew Manor

Hayley walks past Kal's room.

Hayley: Hey there. I hope you're doing okay these past few weeks. Uncle James is talking to the J-Team right now. I know a part of you is still skeptical. I can't blame you for that. But I hope you can dispel those thoughts soon.

She looks out, and then looks at the TV with Netflix in it.

Hayley: You'll like the J-Team. They've fought entities much like the School before. Uncle James said they even had a better record of saving Schoolkids, too. If we get their help, we'll have nothing to worry about. You'll like their cartoon. Someone made a show about them; it's fictionalized but it'll give you a good idea of what they're like in real life.

Cerebro, from a different room: ~Be careful with using Netflix as an introductory to the J-Team! The anime is less unrealistic. Have them watch that.~

Edited by MasterJayAM on Jun 26th 2021 at 8:13:14 PM

Stormchaser, Meeting Room

-If there's anything more that Alice, Lucius or Lissa had to say, then they're suddenly struck dumb by Uxie's appearance, and remain dumbstruck for the remainder of the scene!-

-...Sure, let's go with that. Makes things a lot easier to manage, if nothing else.-

Stormchaser, Home Is Where The Heart/Soul/Mind Is

Logan: Oh hey, Every!

Hiro: -warm- Hello, Every.

Megan: -oddly subdued, for Megan(?)- Hiii, Every. ^-^

-Hiro blinks at common recognition...and kind of shrugs internally-

Logan: Still kinda reeling from suddenly becoming something almost like a parent, haha.

Vee: <Never really goes away, Lo.> ^

Hiro: -easy- Despite carrying a variety of medical products, the DVS is generally not considered sterile enough to welcome new life from shell or decanting unit. I suppose its liminality would make it a good staging ground to lay siege on reality...

-immensely curious- Speaking of which, did you end up catching what happened to create...this?

-he sweeps his arms out, gesture somehow sparking against the essential...something-

-the very big Something in the air, beating in time with everyone's hearts-

Logan: -winks inquisitively at Star, as if to ask "so, how's that curiously significant Something in the air treating you?"-

-...Vee seems distracted-

Megan: -tiny smile, up- ...go ahead. I'll spot you.

Vee: -restrained giggle- <Than's.>

-she noses Megan's forehead and springs off to parts most known-

Megan: -...watches her go-

-and she pulls out her phone-

-by Uxie, a critter prowls-

-from a respectful distance she paces with a mischievous glitter in her red-gleaming eye, as if to convey, "if you know everything, what am I thinking right now?"-

Vee: -giddily, internally- Wanna fight?

-or...something-

Vee: -sidelong, "wink"- <Hey, Rich. You're pretty high up the food chain, huh?>

-she's open to a lot of something-

(-she mouths "shoo me away if there's somethin' you don't want me knowing"-)

(-...yes, in [English]-)

(-the effect is odd-)

Edited by Asterisk395 on Jun 26th 2021 at 8:29:43 AM

Stormchaser Meeting

-Something in the words exchanged between Tagg and the legendary twinges Pentigan's attention and with as much subtlety as he can muster he glides over-

So, can't help but notice that you used the word 'mission' there like it was no big deal. Sorry if I'm prying but I'm intrigued.

Stormchaser Meeting, past

Uxie: -To Vee- What is, what was, what should be, what could be, what cannot be, what should not be, is what I know. I have no interest in that, fighting will prove nothing.

-To Vee and Pent-

I didn't just come to Galar to publicly battle in soccer uniforms. I... moonlight as a problem solver for the legendaries at times. They wish me to make contacts with the legends of Galar so that they may join the Council, and so that's been my purpose for being for. Why Rakshasa is with me, already met the the local canines before I left for the Isle, and the Two Masters wish for me to train him as a test.

-Dead serious-

Don't spread that around outside this meeting room though, the Hunter's Guild is always willing to make a visit.

Uxie: I am no longer needed directly, so I will likely head back to Lake Acuity soon.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jun 26th 2021 at 8:39:54 AM

Stormchaser, J-Meeting

Vee: -snickering- <Aw.>

-and she relaxes out of her half-fight-ready stance, inclining her head incrementally more deferentially than she otherwise might-

-blinks at Pent-

-and to Tagg offers a bow so deep it wraps back around to weirdly familiar-

Vee: -grin- <My lips are sealed, gran'master. Your boss'll know if they ain't.>

-beneath it all, they can likely tell (one way or another) that she's dead serious-

Vee: -eye glittering- <...Legendaries. Including Eternatus?>

-...blink, bemused- <...Council?>

-she then eyes Uxie a bit strangely, but offers a sincere gesture of farewell-

The Stormchaser

(Kim and Braker suddenly stop glowing, and Kim looks down for a few moments, slightly pensive.)

Kim: (thinking, to herself) I hope that Ian, Evelyn, Rever, Hikari, 9-Volt, and Braker appreciated the speech...

(And then she suddenly hears a hum coming from the walls of the Stormchaser. Confused, Kim looks around.)

Kim: "Wait... is that...?"

Braker: (awed) "I— I believe it is..."

Kim: (realizing it, with delight) "Sweet Arceus, it's alive! T-The Stormchaser's alive!"

Cuddles: <Whoa...!>

Walter: <Braker... we did this.>

Kim: (more delighted than she has probably ever been) "We did it! T-that was amazing!"

Braker: (smiling) "Indeed we did." (He puts away his notebook.) "Walter, I believe we have our top story."

Walter: <We do indeed.>

Braker: "Oh, and Kim?"

(Kim turns to face Braker.)

Kim: "Yes?"

Braker: "That was a wonderful speech you gave. I appreciate it."

Kim: (smiles) "Thank you, Braker. Of course, I'm kind of wondering whether or not the rest of them heard me..."

Braker: "I must ask, though, who Hoops is."

Kim: "...I believe Ian can explain that one. Still. Having done that... I finally feel like I belong here for the first time. And no matter what I do with the J-Team... I'm happy about it."

(Cuddles, meanwhile, is so delighted that he is crying Tears of Joy.)

Cuddles: (in tears) <T-that... that was beautiful...!> (sniff)

(Kim and Braker then hear Uxie and turn to face him.)

Kim: "Don't worry, Uxie. We will. Farewell."

Braker: "Indeed."

The Wild Area— Post-Meeting, Pre-Gamecube Watching

(Braker, Walter, and Cuddles are in the Wild Area, with Walter setting up Braker's phone and turning on the [Twitch] app. A news live stream is about to take place. Cuddles eagerly gets on Braker's shoulder, and Braker himself grabs his news microphone.)

Walter: <Alright, Braker, are you ready?>

Braker: "As I'll ever be."

Walter: <Alright, then. We are going live on the air in approximately 5 seconds.>

Braker: "This is it..."

Walter: <Streaming live on the air in 5 seconds. 4. 3. 2. 1.>

(He presses the "stream" button and promptly joins Braker and Cuddles.)

LIVE NEWS TWITCH STREAM

Braker: "Good evening, everybody watching this stream. I'm your news anchor Leonard Braker, here with the Twitch J-Team news. Our top story tonight concerns an incident that occurred in the Alola region about a week or so ago. A Vikavolt, who had just won the 5th annual Vikavolt Stunt Show competition, was abandoned by his old Trainer after not beating the world record for the fastest recorded time. This incident was recorded by many fans and Trainers, many of whom have stated they are horrified by the incident. We have footage of the shocking incident and would like to show it to you now."

(Walter promptly gets behind a computer that he has set up for the news stream and edits in the footage of Lithium getting abandoned by his Trainer into the stream.)

Braker: "I would like to warn you, however, that this footage is not for the faint of heart."

(The footage promptly plays.)

MEANWHILE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION

(Tons of shocked and angry comments start coming in from people upon seeing the footage. Everyone is in utter disbelief. Some people express hope that Lithium is with a better trainer.)

LIVE NEWS TWITCH STREAM

(The footage soon stops.)

Braker: "...We tried to reach out to the Vikavolt's old Trainer for comment, but he was unfortunately unavailable. However, I am happy to report that said Vikavolt, whose name is Lithium, now has a new and much better Trainer, so you can all breathe an extensive sigh of relief. I'm here now with my co-anchors Walter and Cuddles; what are your thoughts on this news?"

(He promptly gives the microphone to Walter.)

Walter: [[teal: <Well, Braker, I must say, I am much happier now that Lithium has a brand new Trainer. Hopefully, that Trainer won't be so much of a perfectionist."

Braker: (taking back the microphone) "Well, Walter, I'll have to agree with you on that front." (He hands the mic to Cuddles.) "Cuddles, what are your thoughts?"

Cuddles: <Yaaaaay~>

MEANWHILE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION

(Everybody in the chat promptly starts gushing about how cute Cuddles is.)

MEANWHILE IN THE WILD AREA

(Unbeknownst to Leonard Braker, he's not alone in the Wild Area. In the tall grass, a Dracovish and a Torkoal are watching with intent— or at least, the Torkoal seems interested. The Dracovish, meanwhile, has a nervous look on their face.)

Torkoal: (with interest) <I'm already liking this broadcast.>

Dracovish: <I'm not! Something tells me that the news is going to be terrible...!>

Torkoal: <Well... I wouldn't say that. I'm just confused as to why there aren't a barrage of things popping up everywhere to distract me.> ^note  This is a reference to the "Distraction News" game in the HBO Family series Crashbox.

Dracovish: <Torkoal, we're not watching Gamecube!>

Torkoal: <Oh.> (beat) <I can still make a game show out of it, right?>

Dracovish: <You can! I'm just dreading the worst!>

Torkoal: <Hey, wait a second, I think they're ending the broadcast!>

Dracovish: <W-what?>

(Their eyes are suddenly and immediately glued to the broadcast in front of them.)

TWITCH NEWS LIVE STREAM

(Braker turns to face the camera, giggling at Cuddles' response.)

Braker: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, that's all the time we have for today. From the Wild Area, in the Galar region, I'm Leonard Braker."

Cuddles: <I'm Cuddles!>

Walter: <And I'm Walter, and that's the way it is, Saturday, June 26, 2021.>

Braker: "I shall see you all next time with more interviews and the latest in J-Team based breaking news."

(And with that said, Walter goes over to the camera and stops the live broadcast.)

The Wild Area

(Walter promptly hands Braker's phone back to him, while Braker puts away his microphone.)

Braker: "Well, I think that went well."

Walter: <I feel the exact same way. Should we leave the Wild Area?>

Braker: "I believe we should. It's not as though we came here to catch Pokemon, after all."

MEANWHILE...

Torkoal: <Wait, they're leaving?! They can't leave! I want to see if they'll quiz us!>

(And he promptly runs out of the tall grass as fast as he can, straight towards Braker, Walter and Cuddles. The Dracovish notices, and his eyes suddenly go wide.)

Dracovish: <W-wait...! Come back...!>

The Wild Area

(Braker, Walter, and Cuddles start to head out of the Wild Area, when all of a sudden...)

Torkoal: <WAAAIIIIT!>

(The three of them turn at the sound of the Pokemon's voice, and the Torkoal and the Dracovish promptly stop in their tracks.)

Walter: <A Torkoal? This is interesting...>

(The Torkoal and Dracovish catch their breath for a few moments, before eventually the Torkoal speaks up.)

Torkoal: <Are you going to quiz us?>

Dracovish: <I doubt it.>

Braker: (confused) "Quiz you? Why would we quiz you?"

Torkoal: <For the fun of it. By the way, have you heard of Gamecube?>

(And as soon as the word is said, Braker's, Walter's, and Cuddles' faces light up in recognition.)

Cuddles: <Wait a second... did you say Gamecube?!>

Torkoal: <Yes! You watch that show?>

Braker: "Well, I don't watch that show all that much, but Cuddles absolutely loves it."

Dracovish: <You've never watched Gamecube?!>

Braker: "No, I have. I've seen snippets, at least. But given that I'm training to be a news anchor and also catching Pokemon, I don't really have that much time to watch it. I assume both of you love the show?"

Torkoal: <Well, I like all game shows, but Gamecube is my favorite show in the world! The games in it are so much fun to play!>

Dracovish: <W-why don't you watch it?>

Braker: "My childhood was defined by the news, not by cartoon shows. I feel as though I'm... well... too mature for Gamecube."

Dracovish: <Oh dear... this was a bad idea...>

Torkoal: <What about other games?>

Braker: "Well... other game shows do intrigue me, but I am a very busy man. There's no time for me to relax at the moment, especially considering the fact that there are people out there that need saving and news broadcasts to do."

Torkoal: <Well, you should relax more, then! You need free time just as much as other Trainers do!>

Walter: <I will admit that the Torkoal has a point, Braker. As important as collecting information is... it would be unwise to make that your only focus. That is the reason you went on vacation to Alola, is it not?>

Braker: "It is... but I wanted to see if there were any news stories, too."

Walter: <You are very eager about the news, Braker.>

Torkoal: <Yeah! Sit down and watch some Gamecube one day. It's fun.>

Braker: "Well..."

(He pauses to think for a few moments. Cuddles, meanwhile...)

Cuddles: <Hello there! Who's the Dracovish?>

Dracovish: <A-are... you're a Galvantula... TORKOAL IT'S A GALVANTULA! HE'S GOING TO SHOCK ME! HE'S GOING TO—>

Cuddles: <W-what? Nonononono! I want to hug you! Not shock you!>

Dracovish: <Don't hug me... please... I don't deserve it...>

Cuddles: <W-what?! What do you mean you don't deserve it?>

Dracovish: <I am a mistake! Look at me!>

Cuddles: <No... no! You're not a mistake, Dracovish... it's okay...>

(The Dracovish just hangs his head.)

Dracovish: <I feel like one...>

Cuddles: <Awwww...> (then, to the Torkoal) <Is he okay?>

Torkoal: <Well... he's a downer. A pessimist, if you will. The only thing that makes him happy is watching Gamecube with me.>

Cuddles: <Oh! Okay! You know... you could watch a lot more Gamecube if you were on our team...>

Dracovish: <A team...? Thanks for the offer, but...>

Cuddles: <Oh, no! It's okay! I understand if you don't want to join!>

Dracovish: <No, no, I do love Gamecube...>

(Braker suddenly speaks back up again.)

Braker: "Very well, then. I'll consider it."

Torkoal: <You will?!>

Braker: "Indeed."

Torkoal: <Alright!>

Braker: "Though, of course... the only way that it would be fair is if everyone could enjoy the show, too."

(He pauses, then:)

Braker: "What would you say if I caught you both?"

Torkoal: <Caught?! I'd love to be caught! Dracovish, did you hear that? We're going to have a Trainer!>

Dracovish: <I heard... I suppose I could join...>

Cuddles: <Yay! Do you have a name?>

Dracovish: <If you need one... just call me Scramble...>

Braker: "Scramble. Fitting. And... about the Torkoal?"

Torkoal: (pauses for a few moments, then) <Snoop.>

Braker: "Heh. Alright, then. Scramble will be caught first."

(And with that said, he takes out two Great Balls— and throws one at Scramble, who goes inside. He then throws one at Snoop, who goes inside. And then he, Walter, and Cuddles just sit there and wait.)

TWO CAPTURES LATER...

NAME: SCRAMBLE

SPECIES: DRACOVISH

GENDER: GENDERLESS (MALE-IDENTIFYING)

NATURE: LONELY

ABILITY: STRONG JAW

MOVESET: BITE, DRAGON BREATH, CRUNCH, FISHIOUS REND, SUPER FANG

(And then, after a bit:)

HASSLEMON HANDLE DECIDED

chimeraSaurus (CS)

(Braker moves his dex over to Snoop's new Great Ball.)

NAME: SNOOP

SPECIES: TORKOAL

GENDER: MALE

NATURE: RELAXED

ABILITY: DROUGHT

MOVESET: LAVA PLUME, BODY SLAM, IRON DEFENSE, OVERHEAT, SOLAR BEAM

(And then again, after a bit:)

HASSLEMON HANDLE DECIDED

coalminersGamecube (CG)

Braker: (smirking, putting away the dex and PokeBalls) "And that is ten mons in the bag."

Cuddles: <Alright~!>

Walter: <I'm partially impressed that you were able to catch ten Pokemon in such a short amount of time.>

Braker: "Heh."

(And with that, Braker, Walter, and Cuddles leave the Wild Area.)

MEANWHILE IN THE HASSLEMON INTERWEBS

chimeraSaurus (CS) and coalminersGamecube (CG) joined the chat.

CS: Oh daer... are tehy gniog to htae me?

CG: Relax, Scramble. I don't think they're go͡ing to hate yo͡u.

CS: I beg to dfifer...

raucousMongoose joined the chat.

RM: OH. HEY. YOU—NEW?

CG: Yep. My name's Sno͡op; it's nice to me͡et yo͡u. The Dracovish is Scramble, by the way.

RM: YOU—mEAN—THE—ONE—THAT—CAN'T—SPELL?

CS: I kenw it...

CG: What? No, it's just his typing quirk.

RM: OH. WELL—I—FEEL—STUPID.

CG: Hey! I know! Do yo͡u want to play a game? Maybe we co͡uld watch Gamecube, or play fo͡otball, or something else like that...

RM: NO—THANKS.

CG: Oh. Okay. By the way, what's yo͡ur name?

RM: rOmEA.

CG: Rome͡a? Gre͡at name.

RM: THANKS. I'LL—TELL—EVErYONE—BOUT—YOU—TWO. EXCEPT—FOr—THE—STUPID—SNAKE, OF—COUrSE.

CG: Stupid snake?

RM: NEVEr—mIND!!

raucousMongoose left the chat.

Edited by OPALGARNET16 on Jun 26th 2021 at 9:50:36 AM