The Walking Mountain, The Ball

-Dune is roused from his ponderings when he notices the tension in the air. His eyes wander without turning his head - a lot of glares, barely hidden behind masks, being shot across the room. Grudges and ambitious, all playing into each other.-

-He then notices a pair of small hands reaching out from under a nearby table trying to reach his boots. He does nothing as the hands find his boots, and then search the front of them for something.-

-Dune can't help but feel a little secondhand embarrassment as the hands stop for a moment, one retracts back to the tablecloth and pulls it up, and a small servant girl is squinting.-

Dune: Sorry, these ones don't have laces.

-The girl freezes, her pupils shrinking. Dune doesn't make eye contact, instead looking around as if trying to find the nearest waiter to grab a replacement champagne glass.-

Dune: I'll let you off the hook on one condition.

-Silence.-

Dune: Tell me the hair color of the one who sent you.

-Silence, until...-

Servant Girl: Red.

Dune: Alright. Away you go.

-The girl is gone, and Dune now has a good idea who is gunning for him specifically.-

-After all, he muses...-

-There are only three people here with anything that might constitute to be red hair. That's a much smaller pool than how he started.-

-He gives a respectful nod to a nearby waiter, taking him aback. Dune carefully takes a glass from his platter and, in doing so, pulls the sleeve of his jacket back far enough to reveal combat and work scars for a split second.-

-The waiter's eyes betray his befuddlement before a rolling rock of realization rumbles through.-

Dune: I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with some of the masques on display tonight. Which ones would you recommend I study first?

-The waiter, to his credit, does not betray the sense of joy he feels at being able to finger one of his long-time tormentors.-

Waiter: If I may be so bold, I have always been fascinated by the brilliance of Electric-Types, sir.

Dune: Ah, of course. A fine suggestion.

-Red hair. Electric-Type mask. He scans the crowd.-

-After a moment his eyes go upwards. On one of the banisters upstairs lounges a man with red hair and an... Eelektross mask, if Dune had to hazard a guess.-

-That's the one.-

---

Deziree: This this is a lot harder to get on than I thought it would be...

Maitre D' : Almost time, girls!

Deziree: Shitfuckdammitfuckshitdammitfuckfuckshit

Stormchaser, Hallways

-Kahlia can't help but laugh.-

Kahlia: Oh, please, I'd love to have Rogue swoop in to save me from this awkward unpacking of my own personal trauma. We could rob some tech bro's startup together, dismantle the gender binary, run away to live a Bonnie and Clyde-esque life of crime... I don't know why I ever agreed to go out on a date with you, Kai. Rogue's way cooler.

-She blinks at the weather outside, then looks back at Kai.-

Kahlia: ...Well, I would suggest just ordering in a takeaway, but then we'd have to pick and choose from Galar's national cuisine. And these people consider vinegar a sauce. They put berries and bones in their curry, Kai. No wonder they conquered like half the world at one point. I'd lash out too if that was all I had to eat.

Edited by Herbert40k on Jun 27th 2021 at 1:06:27 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.

Stormchaser, Right There At The Exit

Kai: Heh. Aren't they? It's too bad they're probably taken, who could ever resist someone as charming and mysterious as Rogue? I'm almost envious.

-Watching the rain pouring outside, and Spectrum just cheerfully buzzing in the midst of it, she glances back at Kahlia-

Kai: Well, rain or no rain, I'd still like the fresh air. Maybe Hulbury has somewhere to eat under a canopy or something. I think that'd be nice, y'know?

Stormchaser, It's A Wonder This Ship Doesn't Have An Airlock Or Anything

Kahlia: You should be. I don't see how you couldn't end up falling for them, honestly.

-She laughs again, and clasps Kai's hand tightly, and her vampiric pallor is barely noticeable in the midst of the brightest, most sincere smile she's given in years.-

Kahlia: ...I think that would be nice, yeah. And even if they don't, it'd still be nice to get a meal somewhere. Or even just run through the rain together spouting nonsense and laughing until you find yourself lying on the wet grass together and don't even remember why you were there or what you were doing, but you've got someone you love beside you and that's all you really need. That'd be nice.

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.

The Walking Mountain, The Ball

-Dune couldn't see them due to the suit, but Dune could sense the tension straining underneath.-

Dune: A fine evening.

Tarvek: I'm sorry, I don't think we've been introduced. Are you one of the new batch, or...?

-Fuck yes. An assumption. Assumptions are great when you're lying your ass off.-

Dune: Oh yes, I'm sorry, my name's Derek.

Tarvek: An interesting name. I am Tarvek, about ten years your senior now.

Dune: My goodness. Apologies, sir, I will leave you to your evening.

-The Eelektross-masked man raises a hand.-

Tarvek: Not so fast, there. You were smart enough to not wear a pair of boots with laces, I see.

Dune: Seemed a prudent opportunity when it was presented.

Tarvek: Good instincts. How, pray tell, did you manage to single me out in the crowd?

Dune: Your position seemed advantageous.

Tarvek: What? Oh, blast it, you're right. Second floor, leaning over the banister... I must have looked like a right gargoyle from down there.

Dune: Indeed. Your mask was also very prominent.

Tarvek: Really? That I hadn't considered. Come join me, then, so we both may blend in.

-Dune steps up next to Tarvek. The first floor is bustling, Consorts, minor... nobles, if Dune had to hazard a guess, and servants, all enjoying the initial drinks and h'orderves.-

-Tarvek leans in close.-

Tarvek: So... who put you up to this?

Dune: Sir...?

Tarvek: A first-timer would not have even set foot on the second floor without a cattle prod. Someone sent you to me to distract me.

Dune: I... um...

Tarvek: You do have good instincts, but what's your gameplan? What's the endgame for you tonight?

-Oh shit, well, can't tell him the truth on that one. What's a good almost truth?-

Dune: I want out.

Tarvek: Pardon?

Dune: I want out of the Game. Between you and Gilgamesh, I'd take a scullery maid just to avoid coming to one of these again.

Tarvek: ... Gilgamesh? The muscle hypertrophic imbecile?

Dune: Yes. He said I might as well put myself to use.

Tarvek: Hm...

-Tarvek almost cracks a smile.-

Tarvek: To tell you the truth, you first-years aren't supposed to be roaming free.

Dune: What?

Tarvek: No, no, nothing like what you're thinking. You're supposed to have a chew toy. From the lowest level. But, it appears they haven't arrived. Either they are late - which is unfortunate, but does happen - or they were killed. Either way, we are without a training dummy for you all to hone your skills against.

Dune: Why are you telling me this?

Tarvek: Ah, that is a good question. You see, taking out competitors does not simply mean killing them. If you stick around here, while I go send a warning shot across Golden Boy's bow, and not make trouble for me, I'll see to it that tonight, you find yourself a wife and are excused from these events.

Dune: Oddly generous.

Tarvek: Honey and vinegar, my friend. Honey and vinegar. If you'll excuse me...

-Tarvek turns to leave. Dune stays put, now not entirely sure what to do - then he spots a handkerchief just barely peaking out of Tarvek's back pocket.-

-Fuck it.-

-With a trained, dexterous hand, Dune slips the silk - silk? Really? - handkerchief from its posterior prison. And it has a clear mark on it, a highly stylized "T".-

-Of course the idiot would have a calling card, he thinks he's untouchable.-

-Dune pockets it for now, while he waits for Tarvek to return. Might as well continue to act the part if the lie is working.-

Stormchaser, Except The Storm's Chasing Them Now

-Kai giggles-

Kai: You have been cooped up way too long. Let's see how the rain is once we've got food in our systems.

-She looks at Spectrum.-

Kai: Hey, Spec, you think you can dry off a bit? We're still keeping to the original plan.

Spectrum: <Oh yeah! Lemme just...>

-She buzzes intensely, vibrating to the point of radiating heat off of her.-

Spectrum used Heat Wave!

-She slows down, steam all around her, grinning a big bright dragon bug grin.-

Spectrum: <Ready to go, cap'n!>

Kai: Excellent~

-Kai hops on her back, then extends a hand to Kahlia to help her up.-

Kai: You're gonna want to hold on real tight.

Stormchaser post-Meeting, past

-To Pollen-

More luck of the draw really, I've met Attribute holders that were evil. Representative and problem solver mainly.

Hitodama: <And by extension, we're the same.>

Isle of Armor, today

Rakshasa: -Cleaning the sand out of his fur-

-Pacing-

They should be here any minute now.

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Stormchaser, Chasing The Storm

-Kahlia grins, accepting Kai's extended hand to pull herself up and clinging to her with obvious relish.-

Kahlia: Ready. You don't need to worry about any of that, honestly - if anything, I'd say you're underestimating me. Do you really think I wasn't like this before we met?

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.

Stormchaser, Before The Rainbow Comes The Rain

Kai: A hopeless, dramatic romantic? I had no idea.

-She grins back.-

Kai: Hope you're ready for this. Three, two, one—!

-And they're FWOOOOOOOM-

Hulbury

—here in no time flat. The storm isn't quite as intense here, but it's still raining lightly as they skid to a halt, rainbows trailing around them.-

Post-Meeting

-Everyone, quietly, goes their separate ways-

-The J-Team was home, yes. They didn't lie then.-

-Emphasis on was.-

-They realized it again, briefly, with Uxie's radiant wisdom there. But without her the wisdom quickly slipped away.-

-Everyone's occupied by other things now=

-It'll take a special something to truly realize it and come back for real.-

-...Or perhaps a special someone.-

-Though that special someone has their own problems. That should have been told already but their author is ALSO occupied by other things-

-But soon-

-We will have a berry good time.-

Contact Me!

The Walking Mountain, The Ball

-Dune follows Tarvek - not hard, him being one of three people in the room with that oddly dark red hair - with his eyes as he approaches a blonde and extremely well muscled man on the far side of the room. The two share a glare that could short nearby lightbulbs and have a few terse words. However, before it can grow into more than that, the double doors opposite where Dune entered open.-

Maitre D' : May I present the Daughters, of our most gracious Empress.

-Dune was happy his mask partially hid his expression, because despite his best efforts, he's still fairly sure that the look of disgust may have offended. The ladies at the front - some of whom were entirely too young to be married off at such a young age in these modern times - were obviously the biggest catches, having the most elaborate and defined dresses. He couldn't see Deziree in the bunch, which was also mildly offending.-

-He spotted a quick opportunity, however, when one of the girls - Dune could of sworn she looked like a young Kate Mulgrew - happened by, having taken a sharp turn from the stairs going down to the first floor to going up to the second. She was at the front, which means she was the one people were aiming for.-

-So... what if people thought someone had already given her their calling card?-

-Dune put a foot out and tripped a nearby Consort, who tripped another Consort he was spending far too much time glaring at, and the two fell in a heap, knocking the Daughter over. Dune, using his training to be as smooth as possible, aids the Daughter in standing up while she spews venom at the two, now terminally embarrassed Consorts. He also takes the opportunity to place the folded handkerchief in her... uh... well, Dune just sort of improvised a spot between her dress and bodice. If anything, it should cause even more outrage when it is noticed.-

-The Daughter - who had not stopped ranting and likely wouldn't stop soon - shooed Dune away, which he was happy to comply with. As he turned, however, he saw a particular color of brass peak out from the end of the row of Daughters entering the ballroom.-

-Wait.-

-Wasn't that the same color as Dezi's wedding dress...?-

-Oh fuck she remade her wedding dress.-

-Oh fuck that is so sweet, she loved that dress enough she learned how to remake it.-

-Oh fuck c'mon Dune keep it together.-

-Fuck, man.-

Hulbury

-The shit-eating grin plastered across Kahlia's face would seem to indicate that she's impressed by their rapid journey, but she does her best to act nonchalant as she dismounts Spectrum and straightens out her dress.-

Kahlia: Oh, I'm sorry, I think you mispronounced "confident and sexy supervillain with an appropriately theatrical streak". It's okay, it happens.

-She glances around.-

Kahlia: So, where we eating? Don't worry about money, I can pay for us both. My ill-gotten gains might not last forever, but they'll certainly last for the rest of our evening.

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.

The Walking Mountain, The Ball

-Although she had not received the welcome she wanted - being stuck at the back of the line, and all, she was still turning heads. Yeah, c'mon boys, watch me strut my stuff in the symbolic proof of your already-decided failure.-

-She watched Janeway finish railing a pair of boys on the second floor and decided to head to the first, predominantly to get away from her. What she failed to notice was a remarkable Excadrill mask following her as she went down to the dance floor.-

-The band was just finishing their instrument tuning, and the fun was about to start.-

-Before the music could begin, however, a ruckus started up behind her. She turned, and saw two boys - ah, judging from the hair it must be those two again - getting into a progressively more heated argument over something about Janeway. Gilgamesh then started throwing hands, and Tarvek was not quite ready for that level of escalation just yet and went down like a sack of bricks. Two servants arrived and carried him off.-

-Strange, she thought. But the rest of the ball went on as everything were normal - apparently Gilgamesh punching someone out, even the closest thing to an equal rival, was no cause for alarm.-

-Fuck, she hated this place.-

-The band went quiet as they awaited a song request. A gentleman in a brown jacket and pants - an oddly familiar shade of brown, now that she thought about it - in an Excadrill mask walked up and whispered a request. The band looked taken aback, but the harp player put the harp away and pulled out... an acoustic guitar? He also could barely hide the massive smile on his face.-

-The man, who had slipped away from the band eerily quickly, then placed a hand on her shoulder.-

Dune: May I have this dance?

-Six different emotions all smashed into Deziree's heart at the same time.-

Deziree: Why, of course. I love flamenco.

Dune: As I knew you would.

-The two took hands and started the steps, as a few others around them had.-

-There was a moment of gauging Deziree had to do to make sure it wasn't a trick. The hand? Checked out, even through both pairs of gloves. The eyes? Oh yeah. That same shade of brown. The steps? Overly stiff and completely out of practice.-

-This was him alright.-

Deziree: I have... many questions.

Dune: In order: Garuda tracked you, we drilled in through the side, we staged a takeover of the mining operation at the base of the mountain, aaaaand... Selene.

Deziree: Really? Didn't take Selene for a suitmaker.

Dune: I know, right?

-The sped up their steps with the tempo.-

Deziree: I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be married to someone who would invade a ball being held in a walking pocket dimension.

Dune: You can't? I absolutely can.

-A Consort gets close to try and trip Dune up. Deziree smashes his toes and he quickly gets the message.-

Deziree: You haven't danced in a while, have you?

Dune: Not since the wedding.

-A Daughter - the Kate Mulgrew looking one - comes by, dancing with the blonde from before. She eyes Deziree with hatred, and Dune takes great offense to this. With a solid swing by Dune, the almost bustle-like ruffles of Deziree dress throw off the other Daughter's steps, resulting in a very clumsy aire as her partner tries to keep her stable.-

Deziree: Well, I'm honored you would dance with me.

Dune: Only with you.

-The song soon wraps. The husband and wife duo stare at each other, memories of a ceremony years past catching up with them. Then, Deziree's eyes refocus, and she nods her head over Dune's shoulder.-

-The blonde was approaching, and not in a civil, sensible manner.-

Isle of Armor

Sounds shift from behind Tagg

Kahina: ...

She bows

Kahina: <...Apologies for such a delay in these matters. Things have been... busy, let's say...>

I'm having to learn to pay the price

The Walking Mountain, The Ball

Gilgamesh: I want your name.

Dune: I'm Tarvek, can't you tell?

-Dune barely had time to duck the haymaker. His reflexes take over and he puts a fist into the man's chest. God, this dude was built like a brick shithouse.-

Gilgamesh: I'm gonna turn you into pulp.

Dune: Men way scarier than you have tried.

-Dune takes his stance. Gil looks at him weird for a moment.-

-Deziree, meanwhile, in a moment of deviousness, goes over to the band. She whispers to them, they shrug, and one of them pulls out a synthesizer. Apparently this even the weirdest request they've ever gotten.-

-Dune smiles. Fuckin' love that woman.-

-Gil rushes Dune with with a body blow. Dune sidesteps, plants a hand square on Gil's back, and shoves him to the ground.-

Dune: C'mon, that one was just free.

Gil: Bastard'...

-Gil rolls out from under Dune's stomp, barely missing his steel-toed boots. He stands again, this time making a leg sweep. Dune counterkicks the leg out of the way before landing a punch to the shoulder.-

Dune: You taking this seriously or not?

Gil: ... Fuck it.

-Gil explodes from his stance in a lunging clothesline with the speed of a bullet. Dune doesn't have time to block and is sent to the ground, where it's his turn to roll away from the stomps. He's quickly back on his feet, and Gil's face is turning red - and his muscles are starting to swell a bit more than they should.-

-Oh, Dune thought, that's what Tarvek meant when he said "muscle hypertrophic".-

-The anger-roided antagonist tries the same leg sweep as before, only this time with the same explosive speed as before. Dune hops the leg, but is caught as Gil rises out of the sweep with a hand grabbing the front of his shirt.-

Dune: Messing with the suit? Uncalled for.

-Dune smashes fists into both of Gil's ears. As planned, his musculature may be enhanced, but his sense of balance is not. He starts to stumble and lets go of Dune to stabilize. As soon as Dune is on the ground, however, Gil makes a wild swing and manages to get Dune across the face.-

-Deziree winces as Dune's Excadrill mask goes flying away. The ball attendees puzzle over why they do not recognize the strangely proficient Consort.-

Dune: Alright then. If you want, playtime's over.

-Dune lets go of all the restraint he'd held onto at the point. All of the frustration and fury.-

-Gil is stabilized, his ears still ringing slightly, as Dune takes a ducking forward step towards him. He gives a straight punch down, but it meets Dune's rising uppercut. Gil had never experienced broken fingers up until this point, but judging from all the very unnatural sounds coming from them, they most certainly were now.-

-Gil recoiled, grabbing out with his other hand, getting Dune by the neck. He started squeezing, up until Dune's hand came from the other side and almost broke Gil's elbow. Left with a lot of anger and two broken arms, Gil smashed his forehead down, and Dune met it with his own. Gil's mask shattered under the impact, the ceramic drawing blood from both participants. Dune, however, didn't care, as he followed up the headbutt contest with two solid kidney punches to Gil's side, which he failed to protect due to a shattered hand.-

-Doubling over in pain, from the headbutt and kidneys both, Dune then clasped both hands together and swung them sideways, smashing a doublehanded blow just above the man's ear, putting him out for some time.-

-Dune, his fury now spent and somewhat baffled by the blood that was starting to pool in his eyebrows, looked over at Deziree.-

Dune: Time to go.

Stormchaser, Hallway

Daydre is sitting in a kind of nook/offshoot from one of the main hallways. There's a couple chairs (one of which she's occupying) arranged around a small table. Whether this was always here or just sort of... appeared because of a random need Daydre had for this sort of space is up for debate.

Obscura wafts off her hands as she tries to make illusory copies of various things. A hat, the belt she's wearing, a miniature version of the chair across from her. They look fairly believable, but each one only lasts a few seconds before dissolving into smoke.

She looks a bit frustrated.

Studio Palace

"... Yeah, 'subtle metaphor for the inner machinations of one's mind' this is not."

Daze prepares herself for whatever might be behind that door.

off the shits

Studio Palace

Azumi-no-isora: -Cackling- <Okay, let's mess them up and go home like we always do.>

-Scanning the area (With eyes, not Aura)-

...One step at a time.

Isle of Armor

-To Kahina-

I could say much the same.

Rakshasa: <Who's this?>

Kahina, she's helping us with... other stuff.

Pugh: -Raising a tentacle- <To punch?>

Cam: <No.>

Akiko: -Is still getting used to her larger size and bigger wings, and just sits on the ground- <How close are we to the old mansion?>

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

The Walking Mountain, Top Stratum

-Dune dabbed the cloth to his head as he and Deziree sprinted down the hallway as fast as they could.-

Deziree: I made a hovercar - this ball was also a Science Fair of sorts. Gave me an excuse to make an escape vehicle if push came to shove.

Dune: Yeah, sorry about that. Should probably have avoided making things bloody.

Deziree: We'll worry about "probably"s later!

Dune: Fair enough!

-Deziree starts to slow when she reaches her laboratory. Her heart drops like a stone when she sees the door.-

-It'd been melted open.-

-She runs inside and turns on the light.-

-The hovercar wasn't even recognizable.-

-A pile of slag, the paint boiling off the steaming wreckage.-

-Nothing salvageable. Nothing recoverable.-

-Deziree drops to her knees.-

Deziree: What... happened?

-A voice echoes from the doorway that wasn't there a moment ago.-

"My, my," the voice says. "I... am... quite... disappointed."

-Dune and Deziree turn to see a woman. Deziree knows her, even if Dune doesn't.-

-The Empress.-

"You know," says the Empress with a taunting lilt to her voice, "I had high hopes for you. But I suppose I must domesticate the wild animal first, before giving it a permanent place in my home.

-Dune does not take his wife being referred to in such a matter well at all.-

-He reaches under his jacket, and from his dimensional bag, pulls out a massive sword. Dune swings the Eighth Wonder down onto the woman.-

-The sword, divine of make and clear of purpose, is stopped by a personal shield projector.-

"Your sword," mocked the Empress, "it did not cut deep enough."

A mechanical tentacle shoots out from under the Empress's robes, grabbing Dune by the neck with enough force to shatter boulders, barely restraining itself to sate the Empress's sadism by keeping Dune alive for a bit longer.

"Dune?!" cries out Deziree, trying to make sense of all of this.

The Empress motions toward the floor between herself and Deziree, and a second mechadendrite uncoils itself. The tip of it glows red, then white, then blue, before finally a furiously hot heat ray fires from it, melting the metal and stone of the floor, revealing the middle city down below.

"Behold," the Empress declared, "as I demonstrated what your mortal ambitions amount to in my city."

With a spiteful, downwards throw, Dune is sent falling straight through the center of the city, with nothing but air and the inevitable ground at the bottom to greet him.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!"

Edited by DuneTheWanderer on Jun 27th 2021 at 9:36:13 AM

Wyndon Stands

(Kim puts on her headphones once again, and Elton covers his ears.)

Elton: <COME ON, PIKU-CHAN! YOU CAN WIN THIS! FOR OSHAWITTLE!>

(Soon afterwards, they close their eyes as Hypnosis is about to occur.)

Circhester

(Grohl promptly turns to face Walter with a look of determination on his face.)

Grohl: <Alright! Here goes nothing!>

Kim: "Indeed. Grohl, use Shock Wave!"

(Grohl nods, before his body glows bright blue and releases a ton of sparks that hit Walter, knocking him backwards.)

(Walter eventually lands on the ground, and soon afterwards manages to push himself back up.)

Walter: <Well. I must say... your Mega Evolution has made your attacks a lot more powerful.>

Grohl: <Y-yeah... that's... that's kind of how it works.>

Walter: <I am aware. However...> (and he starts glowing with a pink energy) <...that works in my favor.>

(Grohl's eyes promptly go wide.)

Grohl: <Uh-oh...>

(Braker smirks.)

Braker: "Alright, Walter! Use Mirror Coat!"

Kim: "Grohl! See if you can dodge it!"

(Grohl nods, and as Walter's body returns the force of the attack, Grohl moves out of the way as fast as possible.)

Walter: <Hmmm...>

Kim: "Great work, Grohl! Now, use Discharge!"

(Grohl nods. Seconds later, electricity erupts from all over his entire body, shocking Walter immediately. Fortunately, however, no one else is hurt, as this is a Single Battle.)

(As before, Walter is thrown backwards, and stands up.)

Walter: <Alright.> (he glows again in a pink energy) <Let's see how this turns out this time.>

(Walter's body promptly returns the force of the attack directly at Grohl- and this time it hits.)

(Grohl is promptly thrown backwards and onto the floor- looking much worse for the wear. Kim turns to face Grohl, concerned.)

Kim: "Grohl! A-are you alright?"

(Grohl eventually manages to push himself up off of the ground.)

Grohl: <Don't worry... I can still fight!>

Kim: (relieved) "That's good. Alright, Grohl, hit him with another Discharge!"

(And he does.)

(Walter is pushed backwards.)

Braker: (grimacing) "Huh. You are better than I thought. Especially with a Mega Evolved Pokemon." (He then smirks.) "Unfortunately, this appears to be the end for you. Walter! Hit him one final time with Mirror Coat!"

(Walter's body promptly glows pink yet again— only for him to soon flinch backwards as a result of the paralysis that had been inflicted on him by Strummer's Nuzzle attack.)

Braker: "Oh... right."

Grohl: <Wait, when did he get paralyzed?!>

Walter: <Strummer paralyzed me with his Nuzzle attack.>

Grohl: <Oh, that explains it...>

Kim: "Well. I believe this will spell the end for you, Braker. Grohl... it's time."

Grohl: <Right!>

Walter: <Oh...?>

Kim: "Use Return!"

Walter: <...oh dear.>

(Grohl nods— and then charges headlong towards Walter, his hair and orbs glowing with power, as he puts every bit of love he has for Kim and his family and his fellow Pokemon into his next attack. He's so intent, he doesn't notice that Walter's body is flaring up with an orange glow. Eventually however, Grohl eventually hits Walter with a powerful tackle, knocking Walter backwards...)

(...and yet at the same time, the counterattack hits Grohl twice as hard, knocking him backwards as well.)

(Seconds after the collision, both Grohl and Walter are sent flying backwards as "The Pretender" stops playing, and soon land on the floor— where clouds of smoke promptly go up. Braker and Kim's eyes go wide— and when the smoke fades, both Pokemon are lying on their sides with swirls in their eyes. Grohl's body glows orange, and soon afterwards he reverts back to his regular Ampharos form.)

Braker: "Walter!"

Kim: "Grohl!"

Grohl: (weakly) <Whoa...>

Walter: (weakly) <And that's the way it is...>

The Stormchaser, Post-Meeting

(The meeting by this point has ended— and so, too, has Braker's interview with 9-Volt. He sends Walter and Cuddles back out, and soon runs into Kim— who is also headed back to her room.)

Braker: "Kim! There you are. I need to talk to you."

Kim: "Braker! Thank goodness you're here. I was wondering for a few moments where you were."

Braker: "Yes... well... I just had an interview with 9-Volt."

(And upon hearing this, Kim stops dead in her tracks.)

Kim: (delighted) "You didn't! Holy crap, how was he?!"

Braker: "Ian as a Pokemon. Just as amicable. He was fairly friendly towards me, and apparently he has a sweet tooth."

Kim: "That is literally the exact vibe I got from him when I first talked to him. Holy crap."

Braker: "Yes. Indeed. However..."

Kim: "Oh? W-what's wrong?"

(Braker pauses for a few moments, then:)

Braker: "I asked him, Colton, and Kamui what they thought of your speech, and... while they did appreciate the sentiment... they also... well..."

Kim: "They also what...?"

Braker: "...you're backsliding, Kim."

(And upon hearing that, Kim's eyes go wide.)

Kim: "O-oh dear."

Braker: "Yeah... needless to say, 9-Volt felt a bit self-conscious about you calling him out by name during your speech, even if it was to thank him."

Kim: (guilty) "Oh dear... I didn't intend that to happen at all. I just wanted to thank my friends for everything they've done."

Braker: "I know you didn't intend that. They know you didn't intend that. It was a heat of the moment thing, but... even so. Of course, this doesn't mean they haven't seen improvement. They have. Colton said it himself, saying, quote— "I told her I didn't like it, but I'm glad I finally got through and she more or less confirmed it"— end quote."

(Upon hearing this, Kim seems slightly more relieved.)

Kim: "That's good. But... even so..."

(She looks down, slightly saddened.)

Braker: "Kim... please don't beat yourself up."

Kim: "I'm not. I just... feel guilty. I wanted to tell my friends what they meant to me, but... I ended up backsliding in the process."

Braker: "You shouldn't feel guilty for having feelings. You shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to thank your friends. I know their words meant a lot to you and helped you to become a better person. But..."

Kim: "W-what'll happen if I start reverting fully back to my old personality? I deeply regret all of the incessance I showed towards Rever, and I don't want that to happen again..."

Braker: "Well... if you do catch yourself relapsing, try to fix it. As I said before, there's nothing wrong with wanting to thank your friends, but... I believe the best advice I can give is to try to be more aware of how you may be acting in the heat of the moment. You don't need to be consistently in a state of worry as to whether or not you are relapsing, but you should definitely try be more aware of it. And if you are... I doubt you'll fully revert."

Kim: "...Really?"

Braker: (smiles) "Indeed. You've already taken steps in the right direction once before, and you can do it again. Besides, they did appreciate what you had to say regardless, so..."

(Kim blinks, looks up at Braker, and smiles.)

Kim: "Thank you, Braker."

Braker: "You're welcome."

I am thou... thou art I...

Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion... that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Hierophant Persona, I have obtained the wings of blessing that shall lead to new freedom and new power.

WYv8NXG.png

ARCANA V: HIEROPHANT

(Kim looks down for a few moments, then turns to face Braker.)

Kim: "Well, now... where will you be headed?"

Braker: "To the Wild Area for a news broadcast; then I have Schoolkids to track down. You?"

Kim: "I'll probably head to the next Gym in Spikemuth. Hope you're ready to see me there."

Braker: "I definitely am."

Kim: "Very well, then. Farewell, Braker."

Braker: "See you, Kim."

(And with that said, they promptly head their separate ways for the time being.)

Hasslemon

CB: 7rou8l3? Ha! Don'7 worry, you'r3 no7 causing any 7rou8l3.

Studio Palace, Puppet Room

(The Consultant giggles a bit at Joybringer's opening of the door, before she and Triton step inside the room and look around.)

The Consultant: "Puppetry...?"

Triton: Well... this is both intriguing and potentially disturbing at the same time.

Edited by OPALGARNET16 on Jun 27th 2021 at 11:24:57 AM

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

Isle of Armor

Kahina glances at Rakshasa.

Kahina: <Let's just say that I am an enemy and I am an ally, little Kubfu. You may understand that later.>

And then to Akiko.

Kahina: <The old holiday abode is right at the end of Challenger's Beach. On the cliffs overlooking the sea like many old holiday homes use to be.>

She stops for a moment.

Kahina: <It's by a large tree who's branches reach out over the ocean. Can't miss it.>

She turns around and gestures to the group to follow her

Kahina: <Come, I'll show you the way.>

I'm having to learn to pay the price

Hulbury

-Kai snickers-

Kai: That could be either of us, Kal. Hopeless romantic dork is a better identifier.

-They wink, hopping off of Spectrum's back, and retie their ponytail after it got tossed around from the wind.-

Kai: Anyway, I was inviting you specifically because I was planning on paying. You keep your ill-gotten gains for another day. As for where, maybe we just walk and look for something that looks less bland than usual?

Stormchaser, Daydrezone

-As Daydre focuses on her illusion attempts, Mason passes by, then slows down as he notices what she's doing.-

Mason: New illusionist, huh?

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Jun 27th 2021 at 11:06:37 AM

Stormchaser, Hallway

Daydre jumps a little and looks over at Mason as her latest attempt dissolves.

".. I'd ask how you knew but I realize I'm making it like, incredibly obvious what I'm doing."

His face pings as slightly familiar, mostly from the meeting they just had and the one incident with Dr. Ironspine.

"I uh... suppose you'd probably know better about this than me."

off the shits

Isle of Armor

-To Kahina-

Would've thought I'd have had more guests with me, but that's not happening this time I suppose.

-Everyone follows-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jun 27th 2021 at 11:31:52 AM

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Stormchaser Hallways

Mason: You could say I know a thing or two, yeah. You're, uh... I don't think I ever caught your name but you're the one that Megan chick's always making eyes at, right? At least she was once she showed up to the meeting.

Polity, Alakagross Spaceship

-The Nightingale was almost shuddering as the group wandered through the halls. Around her helmet was a few swirling rings of obscuric smoke, given the movement of her hand it was something she was actively maintaining-

Mmmmmmhm! Okay this is not good. Buuuuut... Fine, I'll do it.

-She stepped over and with hesitation far more heavy than normal she flicked it on-

Big booming voice saying "I am Sovereign" in three, two, one...

Lee House, Subwhere

Nocturnal: Tell her, when you stand before a broken circle, "Winter's Heart"

Lee House, Living Room

-The room is much as it was when you left it. Though it appears some other tourists have been through and fussed with the papers while you were gone. The television is still playing through that loop of Pokaemart advertisements and the rest of the house is much the same state of artificial quasi-normality-

Saffron Rainslicked

-Kitbash didn't move altogether much when prompted but spoke through team comms regardless-

Kitbash: Place has a public wifi aura but it doesn't appear to be hooked up to the rest of the network. Tried to crack the staff wifi but I could already see the spiderwebs and I don't want my gear getting bricked before we even get on-site.

Studio Palace

-Rakash lets out a concerned sound and stares at the strung-up aspects-

Man, this is not subtle symbolism at all. Dude's got the same kind of thing going on that our first Palace did yeah?

The Oblivion Wing, alert mode

-The shadows flicker and there's now a Gale in the ship, stepping out of her purposefully-dark cabin. She's not wearing her uniform-

Mmmmkay, what's going on..?

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.