Studio Palace

-Lioness scowls. As a fellow photographer, this rant hits a little close to home.-

Lioness: Yeah, going after your ex is a little bit predictable. But tell us some more about the people who paid you.

Wild area

Florence puts the armband back on and morphs into a Whimsicott.

Florence: <What makes sense suddenly?>

Defiant Wing, the Polity

Shutter: Jiminy Christmas, the fuck is that machine?

Phineas: The 2001 Atlantis movie. At last, a man of culture. You and your friend Herr Petersen sound remarkably like the protagonist of that movie. Was that a deliberate heat-of-the-moment reference?

Shutter: Not gonna lie, I loved that movie as a kid, but that was more of a subconscious thing.

Upton: You strike me more as a Vinnie than a Milo.

Shutter: Yeah, I was more partial to Vinnie. I definitely know who our Milo is, and he's back home.

Beat.

Shutter: I feel much better

Phineas: See, this is why Captain Unova and Mr. Ferrometal make all the jokes in the Miracle movies. It manages the stress.

Shutter turns to one of the screens. The casual banter managed to help him calm down enough to think a bit more clearly.

Shutter: Bishop, is there anything we can do?

Oblivion Wing

Tommy was taken aback by the presence of other people on the ship. He was kind of hoping that this'd be a private affair. To his surprise, Priscilla wasn't. Indeed, she seemed a bit too happy to see the stunningly beautiful and sharply dressed buxom ginger who just arrived and blushed a little. This was, Tommy observed, the sort of reaction she's been having with Jon minus the awkwardness. She really must have a thing for buff redheads.

"Something about this woman felt familiar," he thought. Fortunately, unlike two people he knew with a habit of trying to floatzel out the obvious, he had the sense to keep it largely to himself.

Priscilla: Oh, Alice. I didn't expect you to be back from the meeting so soon.

Tommy: What? They were having a meeting? I hope we didn't intrude, ma'am. We were just discussing—

Priscilla: This is a multipurpose craft, Mr. Petersen. Anyway, I'd like you to meet Ms. Alice O'Sullivan, a very good friend of Mr. Grant. She belongs to a special task force in Orre specializing in purifying shadow pokémon and has ties to Inspector O'Sullivan from Interpol. We're working with them to help address the issue of the school.

Tommy: A pleasure to meet you, ma'am.

Priscilla: And this strapping young man here is Thomas Petersen, a journalist with the Geographic Society. He's also a local hero back in Castelia City.

Tommy was slightly yet somewhat visibly mortified by that line. Something that Priscilla did not fail notice, but decided to ignore.

Priscilla: When he was 16, he busted an abusive spinarak silk harvesting scheme run by a Best Berry division. He helped rescue several unusually colored spinarak and even re-homed one. He actually came here in an attempt to aid an alleged Schoolchild who became a local celebrity in Castelia lately. Apparently, two School-affiliated individuals tried to interrogate his aunt. He and his superior will be assisting PEFE in any way they can on the investigations surrounding the School.

Tommy: Call me Tommy. This little guy on my scalp is Drake.

He points to a little yellow critter on his head, a joltik. The young man was confident that his chances of getting electrocuted are nil.

Despite the awkward initial meeting, Tommy can't help but feel comfortable around Alice and Priscilla. Not exactly in that sense, though that's not exactly ruled out. It does tend to happen.

Meanwhile, Priscilla tries her best to keep her cool. Though at the back of her head, she knew this was futile. After all, one doesn't go to a beach party and not spot the babes on the side. Alice, Silas, and the rest of the Aurabolts were an expected fixture. Bringing Jon was a deliberate choice. The random visitors—including Tommy and apparently that one supervillain lady—were a very welcome surprise.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Jan 4th 2022 at 11:22:34 PM

Some AU, ????, a church in Galar

Des stared back at himself for what seemed like hours. His counterpart just stared back, a cocky grin on his face. He looked exactly like him, only his beard was fuller and more tidy. His hair was longer as well, slicked back with grease. Finally Des spoke.

Des: "So what do I call you?"

Justicar!Des: " My exalted Justicar is a good start."

Des: "Like hell!"

This got another whimper out of the scared priest, who was currently groveling on the ground behind him.

Justicar: "Father please. Rise and return to your chambers. You have done the Lord's work today, you will be compensated immensely and receive many blessings."

The priest picked himself up and quickly ran to the back of the church, excusing and apologizing as he went. The Justicar casually picked a piece of lint off of his suit and straightened himself a bit.

Justicar: "Well I can't really blame you for the way you were raised. Lack of discipline and respect. But you'll learn to respect me very soon." He flashed a toothy grin, his teeth unnaturally bright.

Des: "What makes you think I will? I could take you."

This only got a laugh out of The Justicar.

Justicar: "I doubt it. But I'm not going to fight you. Not here at least. Actually..." He pressed a finger to his earpiece. "Stand down." The armed guards and mons that were lined up outside stood at ease. "I'll let you run free."

What?

Des gave him a confused look. Why would he just let his prisoner go? Then he realized...

Des: "Ok. This world is messed up. The priest spoke highly of you. You must be important. You took over this region?"

Justicar: "The world actually."

Des: "...Ok, so this is some kind of fundamentalist surveillance state with you at the head."

Justicar: "Technically there's someone above me, the Pontiff. But he's currently in the lordsleep so I'm in charge."

Des: "Yeah I don't care about your lore to be perfectly honest. So, if you effectively control this world there is no conceivable place I could escape to. I assume technologies to get off the planet are heavily policed?"

Justicar: "Officially they don't exist. The common folk believe this is the only planet with life."

Des: "Dimensional travel is likely kept under lock and key as well?"

Justicar: "Other realities also don't officially exist."

Des frowned in anger. He couldn't believe that someone who was almost exactly like him would do this. He rushed forward and threw a punch, but his fist bounced off of a wall of psychic energy. There was a little commotion from the guards outside, but the Justicar put up his hand to calm them down. Des seethed in pain as he shook his hand.

Justicar: "You can't touch me. I'm miles away from you."

Des responded through gritted teeth.

Des: "You're some kind of astral projection?"

Justicar: "Metaphorically miles away from you. You know, in terms of power. I just had to have picked a dense version of me. Anyways..."

He turned heel and started walking out the door.

Des: "Wait, that's it? That's all you're going to tell me? Why am I here? Why did you choose me?"

The Justicar stopped and looked back slightly, his mouth curving up in a wicked grin.

Justicar: "All in due time, heretic. For now, you're free to roam. Walk around Postwick, see the fruits of my labour. If you somehow get the means, tour other towns, regions. Circumnavigate the globe for all I care. It doesn't matter how far you go, it doesn't matter how long you can evade me. Your friends at Asimov are a long forgotten memory. The J-team, officially, never existed. Here, *I* am the only so-called 'superhero' the public looks up to. You won't find technology to get you back to your reality, or any other reality for that matter."

He turned to face Des, his eyes glowing a wicked hot pink, oozing with psychic energy. From behind him a pair of pokeballs flew past and hovered right in front of Des. They opened and dropped to the ground, releasing Pria and Jovi.

Des: "Pria! Jovi!" He quickly scooped up Pria and hugged both her and Jovi tightly. Jovi let out a happy whiny.

Pria: <Des! What happened? Where are we?>

Des: "I'm not sure yet." The brief moment of joy was ruined as Des saw the Justicar still standing there, eyes still glowing with destructive psychic potential. He had a grim expression on his face that screamed I can take everything you care about away from you at a moment's notice.

Justicar: "You're in *my* world now. Enjoy your stay."

To Be Continued...

Oblivion Wing - July 4

-Alice shakes her head at Priscilla and Tommy.-

Alice: No, no, you weren't interrupting anything. We concluded our meeting relatively quickly, in fact. The other two are handling negotiations with Gio, so I stayed behind to look over the files in order to avoid having to deal with that. Or him. That and my current state of injury is something of an impediment to beachside frolicking.

-She gives Priscilla an appreciative smile, before sliding her tablet into an inside pocket and shaking Tommy's hand, looking him up and down as if appraising him - or at least, that's one possible interpretation.-

Alice: A pleasure to meet you and Drake, Tommy. It sounds like you've involved in some very admirable work. I must say, I'm somewhat taken aback at how often the subject of the School has come up so often lately. I only learnt about them recently, and now it seems that all manner of factions are united in the common goal of taking them down. Which is hardly a complaint, mind. Given what we know I would be happy to see them scourged from the face of the earth and all those subjected to their cruelty liberated from it as soon as physically possible.

Edited by Herbert40k on Jul 12th 2021 at 8:56:41 PM

Oblivion Wing

Their guest was quite ecstatic to hear those words from Alice. Finally, someone who shares enthusiasm with kicking bad guy ass! And quite an ally, too. It's like he's with kindred spirits. Far more than he assumes they realize.

Tommy: Well then, I guess I'm in very good company, Ms. O'Sullivan.

Priscilla: You needn't be that formal around here, Tommy.

Tommy: Sorry, Ms. Alice. Yeah, that's the best I could do, sorry. I'm very formal around strangers.

Priscilla: Eh, good enough I guess. Whatever makes you comfortable.

Tommy: I look forward to working with all of you more.

Priscilla smiled at Tommy, then turned to do the same to Alice.

Yew Manor, Wherever Kal is

Darkholme approached Kal and Radium.

Darkholme: ~I do not mean to intrude, Mx. Kalosium, but I have good news. Professor Yew is holding a conference online and would like to see you and your companion at the breakfast nook.~

Edited by MasterJayAM on Jan 4th 2022 at 11:21:15 PM

Yew manor

Radium: <Sure!>

Kal: Lead the way.

Oblivion Wing - July 4

-Alice chuckles a little at Tommy.-

Alice: I quite like it, actually. Though "Miss" is quite acceptable as well. I'm not old enough to be permanently tied down just yet. I'll ask you to put the kibosh on "Mistress" until we know each other a little better, however. With all that said, I am very much looking forward to when we get to that point.

-She turns to Priscilla.-

Alice: I'm not holding either of you up, am I? I would very much hate to interrupt if you were in the middle of something.

Oblivion Wing, July 4

Priscilla: We've pretty much concluded, but thank you for your concern, Alice. I do suggest you both take a load off for the rest of the day, celebrate with Silas. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. I hear the water's great.

Tommy: Yeah. It is.

Priscilla: And since you can't really get wet, Alice, I do suggest you try and wind down anyway. Lay down in the sun somewhere and relax. Enjoy the cool breeze. Eat those smashburgers Gale's been whipping up. Soak in the sights.

She winks. They both know that there are a lot of sights to behold.

Tommy: Injury, huh? What caused it?

Priscilla: She had a workplace accident a few days ago. We were working on a few things in the Wing when a breakdown happened. Which is why it's under a lot of repairs today. Alice received the worst of it.

Tommy: I'm sorry to hear that.

Yeah, this was a massive understatement, but Tommy didn't feel the need to question it.

Priscilla: Alice, you do need a break. I do suggest taking a load off. Perhaps not be too engrossed in desk work. The Wing's repairs are in capable hands.

Yew Manor, Breakfast Nook

Scott and Hayley had set up a laptop at the table and provided a hefty breakfast for Kal, plus a tray of Poképuffs for Radium. The two were already in the middle of a video chat. On the other side was Prof. Yew, who was very eager to see them.

Hayley: Uncle has good news.

Prof. Yew: Kal? Kal! There you are. I've made contact with the J-Team and they're working toward providing a safe haven for Schoolchildren like yourself. They've recently upgraded their security system. It's hard to explain when you're not in person, but the system is quite effective in keeping School personnel out.

Hayley: I don't get it, Uncle. Why couldn't we just invite the J-Team to come to us? Or request permission to install a version of their security system in our property. Cost is no object here.

Prof. Yew: Logistical matters, unfortunately. They're stuck in Galar in the meantime. Right now, their system is not replicable. We can improve our own systems via conventional means but that will still take some time.

He clears his throat. Although he can't exactly be read, the tone of his voice will indicate that he has their best intentions at heart, as the family had always had for the past several weeks.

Prof. Yew: Now, I do not mean to impose. Where you choose to stay will be up to you. Let me know if you're interested or if you need time to think.

Yew manor, breakfast nook

Kal: I don't know... If I go there, would I be able to come back here sometimes?

Radium is too busy stuffing her face with pokepuffs to pay much attention.

Oblivion Wing - July 4

-Alice's expression hardens somewhat.-

Alice: I'm fine, Priscilla. This is work that needs doing. I'm glad that you've all been enjoying yourself out there, but I'm quite happy staying here and attending to things. As you said, my injuries somewhat preclude enjoying a pleasant surfing afternoon, particularly when I have five broken ribs. Besides, there are guests out there that I would rather not associate with at present. I much prefer the company that you appear to be keeping.

Edited by Herbert40k on Jul 12th 2021 at 10:58:42 AM

Isle of Armor, July 4th

Daydre briefly wonders how Vee mops. Like, is it with an actual mop by pushing it whilst on hind legs or does she roll across the floor absorbing dirt into her being?

... Eh, whatever, there's hugs to be had.

She melts into it, just a little.

Other aura vampires, huh? I think the only one I know is Ama, and the last time she was on the ship things didn't exactly... turn out the best. Would she even want to get on, anyway?

"I'm.. always down to see what you have, but I understand wanting to wait. I'm with Kai, whenever you're ready."

(To Pippy) "What kinds of games did you have in mind?"

Studio Palace

"... Okay, so you do work for somebody. If they're giving you money to do a specific task doesn't that mean you work for them?"

Daze crosses her arms.

Hammerlocke Alley

The Yamask seem rather confused at the sudden poetry reading, and that confusion stops a cluster of them long enough for the Dark Pulse to meet its mark. It's kinda like watching bowling pins go down- the ones in front are blasted back into the ones behind and the whole group goes down.

Aislinn's party faints another couple in the background, but they're starting to look worn out.

21/35

At least a few of the Yamask are smart enough to try and Hex Shadow now that they've been burned- a layer of Obscura coating the Liepard and attempting to seep in and exploit the burns they've accrued.

The flaming slash takes out the one that attacked Sunny, while the Dazzling Gleam knocks out another two. Another two are left standing. Or floating, as the case may be. They look at each other, as if to say "the others can handle this one", and fly off in the other direction.

Hammerlocke Alleyway

Roy and Sunny sighed, satisfied as the Ghost-types cleared the area.

"What was that all about?" He asked everyone else there, as curious as he was slightly annoyed as he sheathed his sword.

Sunny simply relaxed her posture, satisfied at her victory.

Stormchaser, July 13th

"Huh," he observed simply, looking at his phone's date before standing up out of his bed. "Well," he decided, reaching into the fridge and downing a lemonade before crushing the empty can against his skull. "Maybe someone knows."

Edited by AbsentCoder on Jul 13th 2021 at 12:28:50 PM

Lee House, Pokæmart

Well hopefully nothing here is too dangerous.

-The staffer gives a bit of a cough to remind people that he's still here-

... Which is presumably why they have active supervision from the staff in here.

Isle of Armor

Hm... Not what I would have gone for, but it's valid.

-Gale gives this very playful smile as she looks out at the ocean-

We've got our own submarine now. That's... A powerful move, honest.

Yew Manor Kitchen

Prof. Yew: Why of course, Kal. You'll always be welcome here. If you choose to stay then change your mind, our doors are always open. Just give us a call and we'll pick you up.

Hayley: We won't pressure you. Where you choose to stay is your call.

Prof. Yew: We will provide you with information if you need it, but the choice you make should reflect what works best for you.

The Yews were concerned about their charge's wellbeing, but they didn't want them to feel unwelcome. Kal has been plagued by indecision, a consequence of their abusive upbringing. The School was not kind to testing-line Schoolchildren. They were only as good as their abilities, and Kal was made to hone their skills even to the detriment of their health.

Since then, the Yews made sure they stayed on track to recovery. Prof. Yew didn't insist on making the safety arrangements until after it was certain Kal could be well enough to travel. And even then, they didn't want to pressure them.

Oblivion Wing, July 4

Priscilla: Indeed. Wanna go grab some grub? Can't have the 4th of July without a barbecue, after all. Isn't that what Unovans do? I can have Murphy here send an order if you'd like to stay in the ship, and Wukong will pick it up.

Tommy: That depends. What meat is she using?

Priscilla: Usually it's miltank.

Tommy: And Gale, like Gale Knight? The Aurabolt who also has a cooking show? That Gale?

Priscilla: Uhhhh... yeah. The very same. She's a great caterer and we didn't spare any expense.

Tommy: Hoo boy.

From the pokéball, Pris could hear a mental voice.

Mistress: ~You know, he figured it out already. And that's a fair reason why Silas invited him here in the first place.~

Priscilla: ~You don't think he could've picked it up already, do you?~

Mistress: ~That ship has sailed, Pris. Kid's a journalist. And it's not like you and Alice didn't pick up the whole superhero bit just by putting the pieces together. And come on, don't tell me you didn't figure out which one he was by now?~

She nods and surreptitiously sends a message to Murphy via her phone.

Priscilla: So, Alice. Anything else you'd like to ask Tommy here? Anything you'd like to clarify, perhaps?

Yew Manor

Kal: Hmm... I don't know. I know part of me definitely wants to get out of here, but I'm not sure whether that would be best.

Kal pauses.

Kal: Didn't you say there were other people from the school there? Would it be possible to ask one of them what it's like there?

Radium finishes eating all the pokepuffs.

Radium: <You got any more?>

Yew Family Home

Scott: Now, Radium, we can only give you seconds once. Poképuffs are a sometimes food.

Prof. Yew: Everyone at the airship is a touch busy at the moment, but I might be able to work out a video conference if I can find some of the old Schoolchildren who are available. But yes, I might be able to arrange that.

Hayley: Thanks, Uncle. Send our regards to Dr. Tagg and the rest of the PEFE admin.

Yew manor

Kal: Thanks.

Radium frowns.

Radium: <Awww, come ooooon!>

Radium flies over to try and eat Kal's food, but Kal pushes her away with telekinesis.

Kal: <Oi! If you eat too much you'll turn into a Jellicent!>

Radium: <Heeey! You weren't eating any of it!>

Edited by QuantumMelody29 on Jul 13th 2021 at 9:24:00 AM

Yew Manor

Hayley: Settle down, Radium. That's human food. It's not good for you. I know you probably still remember how it tastes, but trust me, it's not worth the tummyache after.

Scott pours a can of "Feast of Fance" brand Pokémon food, a mix apparently optimized for cnidarians. The picture in the kibble bag had a smiling jellicent with a 18th Century wig and a tentacruel with anime eyes and a pretty pink bow.

Scott: If you're going to eat a lot, you might as well eat something that will encourage healthy growth. Some kibble. You won't get any more puffs until you've eaten the kibble.

Hayley: Come on, Scott. You were a kid once.

Scott: Healthy eating must come first. It applies to humans and pokémon.

Hayley: Uncle, I was never this much of a handful, was I?

Prof. Yew: No. You were worse.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Jul 18th 2021 at 5:43:53 PM

Yew manor

Radium: <The only human food I had often enough to remember was this gross paste stuff that probably wasn't food. This stuff here is super worth the bad stomach.>

Kal hurriedly eats some food before Radium can get at it. Radium tentatively tries a bit of the pokemon food.

Radium: <Bleugh.>

Kal: Is it bad?

Radium: <No, but the pokepuffs were better. Hey! I ate some, can I have more pokepuffs now?>

Yew Manor

Scott: I'll be generous. Eat half the kibble and I'll let you have a few more poképuffs.

Hayley: Like making kids eat broccoli.

Scott: Soon as that's done, I'll give Kal a proper breakfast and call up the Pokémon Center. Good thing Nurse Joy's on speed dial.

Hayley: Wait, did you just say they fed you nutrient paste? Uncle, you told me their food was bad but I didn't think they were that bad! You mean they didn't feed these kids proper human food?

Prof. Yew: Despicable, I know. I've been given some of their slop before. Most taste terrible, but the grey paste is indescribably bad.

Scott: Wait, they fed you what? I'm so sorry.

Hayley: In hindsight, that does explain why you and Kal never exactly thought about food much.

Darkholme: ~I remember my first human meal. Am I ever glad that canids are somewhat omnivorous. Protip, though. Avoid chocolate. It is the traitor's liquid.~

She shudders.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Aug 30th 2021 at 4:21:07 PM

Yew manor

Kal: Is that what it's called? Certainly sounds like it. It didn't taste of anything and had a pretty unpleasant texture. When we did get treats they were obviously the old ones the teachers would've thrown out otherwise. More often than not they were just bribery to get us to do things when they were in a good mood.

Radium: <Chocolate... I vaguely remember. I wasn't feeling so good that day. They wanted us to do something but I didn't want to go. They had one of those small chocolate things with the wrappers. They said I could have it if and only if I went and did exactly what they said. It was ok... But definitely not to die for, if you get what I mean. I guess that's why you put up such a fuss with those sorts of offers.>

Kal: There were some days I just ate the berries in my fake garden. They weren't particularly real but at least they weren't nutrient paste. It'd be nice to grow some actual berries sometime.

Edited by QuantumMelody29 on Jul 14th 2021 at 8:20:26 PM

Circhester Stadium— Gym Battle

(Elton stares up at the Zen Mode Galarian Darmanitan in shock for a few moments, but eventually manages to steel his courage, jumping up in delight.)

Elton: <Alright... so you're more powerful now. Nothing I can't handle! Show me what you've got!>

(The Zen Mode Galarian Darmanitan laughs, then:)

Galarian Darmanitan (Zen Mode): <Ohhh... was THIS what you had in store?!>

Elton: <W-what? What do you—>

(But he is suddenly interrupted by the sound of the Galarian Darmanitan coming down onto the floor— and causing a massive Earthquake that throws Elton backwards against the wall.)

Kim: "ELTON!"

(Smoke immediately starts going up from the place where Elton landed.)

Circhester Stadium— Stands

(Braker, Walter, and Cuddles all look on in concern.)

Braker: "Oh dear."

Walter: <That had to have hurt.>

Cuddles: <Come on, Elton... you can do it~!>

Circhester Stadium— Gym Battle

(Kim looks on for a few moments in concern as the smoke begins to billow— and then all of a sudden, there is a burst of fire from the smoke that eventually pushes it away, revealing Elton standing there, cloaked in flame. Kim's eyes widen— and Melony looks on in slight intrigue.)

Melony: <Oh...?>

Circhester Stadium— Stands

Braker: (nearly dropping his camera) "No way."

Walter: <No way.>

Cuddles: <NO WAY-!>

Braker: "This is..."

(He zooms in on the about-to-evolve Raboot as quickly as possible.)

Hammerlocke Battle

(Kim promptly smiles and takes her place on the battlefield.)

Kim: "Very well, then. The battle between Hoops and Evelyn Promeneau, both from Ballonlea, is about to begin! This battle will be a double battle, and each Trainer will use six Pokemon. The battle is over when all the Pokemon on either side are unable to continue. Trainers may switch between Pokemon if necessary." (She turns to face both of them.) "Hoops, Evelyn... are you two ready?"

Lee House, Pokaemart

(Braker promptly turns to face Cuddles as he, Walter, and Cuddles enter the Pokaemart.)

Braker: "Did you hear that, Cuddles? No touching or buying anything."

Cuddles: <Yep~!>

Walter: <Of course, we weren't here to buy anything anyways.>

Braker: (glancing up at the items) "And yet, even then..."

Walter: <You're tempted, aren't you, Braker?>

Braker: "Very much. But don't worry, I know better than to give in to temptation— it's Cuddles I'm worried about."

Walter: <I'll be sure to keep an eye on him.>

(Cuddles, naturally, is eyeing all of the items on the shelves, desperately trying to not give in to temptation.)

Studio Palace

The Consultant: (glaring at Daniel with all the hostility of a thousand suns, thus creating Scary Shiny Glasses) "Yes... I've been wondering all of those things myself."

The Wild Area (Schoolkid)

Oliver: (turning back) "Me too."

(And now he runs off, as far away from any of the other Schoolkids as possible, to a place where he believes nobody can find him. Mito and Teru are right behind him, and the former looks over at Ollie.)

Mito: <What was all that about?>

Ollie: "I- I don't know! I just didn't know if there'd be any Templars around, so I..."

Mito: <Come on, Ollie. I know that whatever this "School" place is hurt you, but you can't be afraid of these Templars forever. That's the reason you escaped, right?>

Ollie: "W-well... yes, but-"

Mito: <Then what are you doing? Stand up to them!>

Ollie: "I can't..."

Teru: <It would probably be the best idea, but I wouldn't worry about any Templars coming. They probably don't even see you right now.>

Ollie: "There were Schoolkids. They seemed pretty nice, and I would love to talk to them again, but..."

(And then all of a sudden, he hears a *blip* sound from behind him.)

???: <Hello!>

(Ollie jumps.)

Ollie: "Gah!"

(He turns around— and sees a Beeheeyem standing there.)

Ollie: "O-oh... hello there."

Beheeyem: <Are you another one of those humans? I've been seeing them a lot today.>

Ollie: "Oh! Yes, I-I'm human. My name's Ollie Rivers... what's yours?"

Beheeyem: <A name...? I do not believe I have what humans would call a "name".>

(beat; he lights up upon seeing Ollie's shirt)

Beheeyem: (excited) <Is that a solar aerial sphere?!>

Ollie: "Er, the sun? Yes."

Beheeyem: <That's wonderful! You must have an interest in astrology much like myself!>

Ollie: "Well, it's more that I have an interest in meteorology."

Beheeyem: (tilts his head in confusion) <Meteorology? Is that the study of meteors?>

Ollie: "No... it's the study of the weather."

Beheeyem: <Oh~! Okay! Earth-based?>

Ollie: "Yes."

Beheeyem: <I see.> (he notices Mito and Teru) <So... you're a collector of terrestrial lifeforms?>

Ollie: "I- I train Pokemon, yes. These are Mito and Teru."

Mito: <Hello!>

Teru: <Hey there.>

Beheeyem: <That is wonderful! Nice to meet both of you!>

(He immediately extends his hand- and Mito happily takes it, causing the Beheeyem to falter in confusion.)

Mito: (shaking his hand) <It's nice to meet you too!>

Beheeyem: (is promptly thrown up and down) <AAAHHH~! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY AAAARRRRRMMMMMM—!!>

Ollie: "Mito, I... don't think he knows what a hand shake is."

Mito: (slightly sheepishly) <Oh, sorry...> (''He lets go of the Beheeyem's hand.") <I thought you wanted a handshake.>

Beheeyem: <No. I was doing this.>

(He extends his arm out again, and all of a sudden the finger-lights on it flash the morse code for HELLO. Soon afterwards, he lowers his arm.)

Beheeyem: <It's how I greet my fellow Beheeyem.>

Mito: (beat) <Oh, that's right; you're a Beheeyem.>

Beheeyem: <Yep! It's okay, though; you didn't know. By the way, what's a "hand shake"?>

Ollie: "...We'll explain later."

Beheeyem: <Okay. Do you... listen to any sound waves, by any chance?>

Ollie: "What, you mean music? No... not really."

Beheeyem: <You've never listened to music?! Y-you're probably the first human I've ever seen that's never listened to music! I listen to music all the time! It's fun~!>

Ollie: "Well, no... I wasn't really allowed to listen to music when I was at the School."

Beheeyem: <...what's the School?>

Ollie: "...I-I'll explain later! For now... um... if you don't mind... I like you. I think you should join our team."

(He takes out a PokeBall— and all of a sudden the Beheeyem's eyes grow wide, and he grabs the ball.)

Beheeyem: (excitedly) <NO WAY! A terrestrial lifeform capturing device?!>

Ollie: "Um... yes."

Beheeyem: <You wish to capture me?!>

Ollie: "Yes."

Beheeyem: <YAY! This is the greatest day of my—> (and then his expression falters) <Oh.>

Ollie: "W-what's wrong?"

(The Beheeyem looks down.)

Beheeyem: <I do apologize. As much as I would like to come...>

Ollie: "Wait a second... a-are you... ?"

Battle Outside Hammerlocke

Hoops: I'm ready.

They prepare two of their pokeballs.

Pokaemart

"I wonder how this place makes money if no one touches anything."

"It's probably not worth experimenting," Kamui considered. "I imagine if one of us touched a thing we'd learn, and hate the answer."