CW: Death, Death, Bombing, Terrorism

Natalie sighed and tapped her pen against her desk, "Really now? You really are a copycat aren't you?"

She shook her head before perking up, "Well regardless. You wanted to see me? Need funds for something?"

Akira put his cell away and smiled, "Make it look like an accident, easy enough."

He stepped over to the Templar. He didn't know their name, it didn't really matter, they had left and knew a bit more than they were supposed to. The Counselor and the Bursar had approved the removal of this one, oh well.

The corpse would soon be rendered unidentifiable anyways, Akira looked to Cardiac, "Charges all set?"

Cardiac did his best thumbs up, as KC hopped up on a table, clacker in hand. Akira took it and scratched their head, "Very good."

Dusty stepped over and motioned for the door, Akira nodded and walked out, his team following him. As they stepped out the door, they passed a falsified notice that there was an issue with the gas line in the building.

2:12 hits around here
He got a good few feat away and pulled on the clacker, and there was a loud boom, he could feel the wave of heat as the safehouse went up in flames. He smirked, another successful job... by the time any authorities got here, they'd presume it was a fault gas line, the evidence was there.

His job, was done.

Ballonleia

-A girl in a Rainbow Rocket uniform is stalking through the woods here-

-She is trying very hard to be stealthy, and due to the gloominess of the area is mostly succeeding-

-...She will probably be noticed anyway-

The School-Bursary Office

Copycat set the bag of popcorn down on the desk. They then went down on all fours and stretched out, like a catmon.

"Bored mostly. Beating up kids loses its luster after a while. I'm an outdoor cat not an indoor one."

After stretching they crouch catlike on the floor, mimicing paws with their hand and rubbing their face.

"How's Akira?"

Stormchaser Medbay

-Kahlia rolls her eyes in response to Kai's chastisement.-

Kahlia: Fine, fine. No more trying to play nice, I'll just lie here and be quiet. Not the first time I've been told to do that in bed.

-Alice nods at Kai, seemingly making a mental note of everything she's said.-

Alice: I see. It's something of a relief to know that you were not the intended target, then, even if you still found yourself in danger. Speaking as someone who has been known to dabble in the art of deceit from time to time, your attempt at a bluff was quick-thinking, if perhaps ill-advisable in the long-term. For all we know you may very well have made yourself a target. Still, you've managed to compile quite a reasonable dossier from such a brief encounter.

-She looks over at Amantia and nods.-

Alice: Ah. My apologies for not introducing myself earlier, then. My name is Alice O'Sullivan, more of an associate of this vessel's usual occupants than a full-time member, but you can consider me an ally in this particular fight.

-She arches an eyebrow at Apple-A-Day.-

Alice: Speaking as a Grass-type trainer myself, I would say the misconception is understandable, given your choice of aesthetic. You do know what you've gotten yourself into, don't you? Despite what the convention might suggest, the lifestyle of a would-be hero isn't all costumes and pageantry.

Kahlia: Wait, you can see them too? I was starting to think they were a delusion put in my head by that awful little clone of mine.

Ballonlea

-Sure enough, the girl sneaking throught the woods is in fact noticed by a Watchog, whose tail perks up as he starts squawking.-

Ferrier: <Ah-ha! I knew it! There's weremons lurking in this forest! Weremons disguised in human form, come to steal away all our colours! Well, you'll never get mine, you hear me? Never!>

-There's a rustling in the bush, and from behind the Watchog emerges a young man with dark skin in a smart-looking blue suit and hat, looking exasperated.-

Shun: There you are, Ferrier. What are you going on about this time? We need to get back to training for-

-He stops as he sees the girl, eyeing her and her uniform suspiciously.-

Shun: ...Hello there. I have to say, I didn't think this was a popular neck of the woods for skulking around in.

Ballonleia

-The girl YELPS very loudly and whirls to face Shun and Ferrier-

Rainbow Rocket Girl: AGH! It's not what it looks like! I'm on- on my way to a cosplay convention, see?

-internally-

Way to go, like he'll ever buy that.

Edited by Umbramatic on Aug 13th 2021 at 9:18:11 AM

Ballonlea

-Shun arches an eyebrow at the girl.-

Shun: ...A cosplay convention? In or near Ballonlea? In a costume usually associated with a notorious criminal syndicate?

Ferrier: <And taking on the guise of a biped, to boot! But you can't fool me. I can see your true form, and all its cinnamon scents!>

Ballonleia

Rainbow Rocket Girl: ...

-visibly panicking-

...G-Go Firestorm!

-Sends out a Charizard-

Firestorm: <You're not stopping us on my watch.>

Ballonlea

-Shun's eyes widen as he realises he might be in a little over his head.-

Shun: ...L-listen, there's no need for that, we can talk things through like perfectly reasonable-

Ferrier: <And thus the veil of deception falls away! I have gazed into your soul, seen past your draconic disguise, and am ready to unmask you to the world, birdy-boy!>

-He dives at Firestorm with teeth bared.-

Ballonleia

-Firestorm roars in pain as the Super Fang digs into his hide-

Firestorm: <Grrr... I'm not failing her again... Not now!>

-He uses Flamethrower-

-The girl continues to panic-

Edited by Umbramatic on Aug 13th 2021 at 10:32:31 AM

Ballonlea

-The Flamethrower washes over Ferrier, but he's evidently bulked up since his Patrat days, and manages to tank the hit.-

Ferrier: <Hrgk... it'll take more than that... to stop me from exposing your->

Shun: STOP!

-Ferrier's head snaps 270 degrees to look at Shun, who is holding his hands up in as conciliatory a manner as possible.-

Shun: This doesn't have to be a fight! I wasn't looking for one, I was only asking questions, and I have no wish to battle for answers! Why don't we both take a step back, start from the top, and tell each other who we are and what we're doing here?

Ballonleia

-Firestorm freezes-

-The girl also freezes, then recalls Firestorm-

Rainbow Rocket Girl: R-Recon mission. W-we were scouting this universe for resources. But I wasn't supposed to be a part of this, I was supposed to infiltrate Team Rocket, stop them, but then... Then everything went wrong...

-she collapses-

Take me in if you have to. I don't know if it'll change anything. But I don't know what to do anymore.

Ballonlea

-Shun's expression softens as the girl speaks, and he recalls Ferrier in turn.-

Shun: ...Unless you confess to something particularly heinous, I can promise I'm not going to take you in. In all honesty I don't think I could even if I wanted to.

-He kneels down so that he's level with the girl.-

Shun: Detective Shun Hontou, International Police. Judging by what you're telling me... I'm assuming you're a Faller, of some kind?

Stormchaser Medbay

Kai: I think it's safe to say I did make myself a target. Best to move forward as if I am. Ferrum said this wasn't over when they escaped.

-They glance over at Kahlia-

Kai: I'm still... dreading, whatever memories they took from you. Undoubtedly, it had to do with something from your time as their experiment. But from experience, I know how hard it is to pinpoint the gaps. Can't remember what you can't remember, and all.

Stormchaser Hallways

Mason: Yeah, it's super weird, but this airship is, like... supernaturally protected.

-He is interrupted by his stomach growling.-

Mason: ...right. Uh, want to go get some food and catch up? Maybe find someone else to back us up just in case we end up in another, uh, incident. I can help hide the, er...

-He waves in front of one side of his face demonstratively.-

Mason: That. So nobody asks too many questions.

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Aug 13th 2021 at 12:31:45 PM

Ballonleia

-The girl pauses, then nods-

Rainbow Rocket Girl: ...Jade Arens. And... Kind of. I'm from a Kanto in another timeline. Rainbow Rocket tends to look for Fallers for their uses though.

Stormchaser, Outside

-unlike illusions of the sort created by, say, Mason, Molybdenum's brand of concealment roots in the observer, not the caster-

-which means—despite the link required to maintain it—Misery reaches mostly into her and Ever's own brains to revert the change-

Boltund: -sleep-wags tail, panting happily-

-suffice to say, the obfuscation peels away pretty smoothly-

Molybdenum: Molybdenum sits down properly, warily, visibly ready to take one of her many. many escape routes, as soon as she's gotten what she wanted. She radiates a danger born of pique on top of all else.

-to reveal...a face-

-rather sticky, at present-

-don't get any ideas.-

-the features individually and together seem incredibly...familiar, beyond the deja vu of matching some possibly-deleted memory banks-

-...what the fuck did you people do to your airship? there's no way that's safe for anyone.-

-and ever brings up-

Ramona: -

-Ramona's thumbs, with an ease born of practice, find the hollow of their throat and start crushing-

-she's dove forward—Ever can see her expression, now! Up close, the amount of half-melted dessert and silent, screaming rage in it both are evident-

Edited by Asterisk395 on Aug 13th 2021 at 1:30:15 PM

Stormchaser Medbay

Amanita: Nice to meet you. I've heard a bit about you from Brie already, to be fair.

Brie: -hair flip twitch-

Amanita: All good things, don't worry.

-she smiles-

Apple-A-Day: (firmly) I'm very serious about what I do. The costume is an intentional choice, but helping people is important to me.

Stormchaser Hallway

Percy: ...I could eat. Illusions would be good, yeah, but...we gotta be careful. Best if we don't have our own faces for it.

Did you have someone in mind for backup?

Stormchaser Mindfray

-Ever squeaks, and is then strangled-

Ever: Gurk

Misery: <Oh dear. Humans need that, don't you?>

Ever: -squeak-

Misery: <Right. Hm, I've never been good at threatening people.>

-she taps Molybdenum on the shoulder with her braid-

Misery: <But I think your course of action is what the average Psychic would call inadvisable.>

Stormchaser Medbay

-Kahlia looks back at Kai and sighs, her expression becoming more serious.-

Kahlia: ...Yeah. I'm trying to piece things together, but... it's hard, finding the gaps. They had to have been looking for something, but I don't know how much they were after, and... let's be real, they would've ripped out half my brain if it meant getting what they wanted. It's probably only thanks to your Alakazam that I can even still talk coherently at all.

-Meanwhile, Alice blinks at Amantia.-

Alice: O-oh. Well... that's good! Surprising, but good. With regards to the hearing about me part, I mean, not the all good things part. That much is to be expected, from Brie. She is quite wonderful and I simply find myself surprised that I am amongst those she mentions even though I should not be and I should probably stop talking about this now.

-She looks over at Apple-A-Day, sizing them up for a moment - then gives a faint smile.-

Alice: ...You're willing to stand up for yourself. Good. It seems like you are quite sincere about your desire to protect others, even when it comes at personal risk. Consider this a matter of professional interest, then. I might raise an eyebrow at your preferred aesthetic, but if it's deliberate and effective, then who am I to judge?

Ballonlea

-Shun tilts his head at Jade.-

Shun: ...Rainbow Rocket? June was two months ago.

Edited by Herbert40k on Aug 13th 2021 at 3:43:40 PM

Somewhere in Galar

The scientist enters the room to find Vana sitting cross-legged on her bed, deep in thought.

Scientist: Have you made a choice.

Vana nods.

Scientist: And?

Vana: I'll do it. I'll kill Hoops.

Scientist: Splendid! You made the right choice, Vanadium. I know that it's hard, but this is best for everyone.

Vana: So, what happens now?

Scientist: I've been speaking to other members of the school, and they'll be assigning one templar and one graduated schoolchild to your case. They'll meet you at Giant's Cap in the Wild Area.

Vana: Two?

Scientist: Yes, I have been told that these two have previously failed in their missions, so the school felt they should be sent together.

Giant's Cap, Wild Area

Vana arrives at the meeting place, a small cluster of rocks with a bench next to them. No-one else is here. She sits on the rocks and begins to wait.

Hammerlocke Stadium

Hoops takes a moment to ready themself before entering the stadium for their final gym battle of the Galar league. Kit clings onto their shoulder.

Kit: <Are you sure you want to do this without Kec?>

Hoops: I'd prefer if he was here, but I can't keep my life on hold until he comes back. We have to keep moving forwards.

Kit: <Okay. Will I be battling today?>

Hoops: Only if you feel up for it. Come on, let's go and register.

They enter the stadium and walk up to the reception desk, where they are greeted by a smiling receptionist.

Receptionist: Hello! You're Challenger Hoops, correct?

Hoops: You know me?

Receptionist: Of course! Only a small number of trainers can beat the seven gym leaders that come before us, you know. So we keep track of anyone who's gotten this far.

Hoops: Well, I'm here to challenge today.

Receptionist: Of course. In order to reach the gym leader, you'll have to get through the trainers of this gym. Good luck.

Hoops: Thanks!

Inside the Gym Challenge

Hoops enters into a spacious room, with three circles on the floor. As they come in, one circle opens up and a trainer rises up on a platform.

Trainer: My name is Sebastian, the master of rain! I'm your first roadblock in this gym. Go, Pelipper, Sliggoo!

Pelipper's Drizzle activates immediately, and rain clouds form inside the chamber, soaking everything.

Hoops: Pelipper and Sliggo, eh? In that case, I'll use these two. Sal, Sud, come out!

Within minutes, both of Sebastian's pokemon have been defeated. Sal and Sud breathe heavily.

Sal: <That'll teach those water types not to mess with me.>

Sebastian: You may have beaten me, but you still have a long way to go before you can defeat Raihan.

They sink back through the floor. As they do, the second of the three circles rises, revealing a female trainer in the Hammerlocke gym uniform. Hoops smiles.

Hoops: You're next? Then let's get down to business.

Edited by theoncominghoop on Aug 13th 2021 at 11:48:48 AM

Stormchaser Medbay

-Kai nods to Kahlia-

Kai: And thank goodness for that. Beryllium seemed... confident, at least, that she got what she needed, so with any luck, our next encounter with them won't just be a rehash. If we do face another mind-manipulator, or even Beryllium again, I'll be sure to prioritize facing them, since... well, I spent a lot of my teen years sharing my headspace with a psychic, so it gave me quite a bit of practice establishing mental blocks where I need them.

-They pause, a look of realization dawning on their face.-

Kai: ...that would explain the compartmentalizing, probably.

-As Alice fumbles her composure toward Brie and Amanita, Kai just gets a wide grin on her face, but says nothing.-

Stormchaser Hallways

-Mason takes out his phone.-

Mason: Scarlette's usually my go-to for that kind of backup. Not an ounce of Aura sensitivity, but she's a hell of a trainer and I'd trust her to have my back.

Wild Area — Giant's Cap

-The wind picks up for a moment, and atop the Giant's Cap rock formation lands a woman in dark gray and her Noivern. She hops down from the rock.-

-She narrows her eyes, meeting Vana's before anything else — presumably, to verify eye color.-

Nitrogen: You must be Freshman Vanadium. Correct?

Wild Area - Giant's Cap

Vana: That's me, but you can call me Vana.

She gestures at the Porygon and Milcery with her.

Vana: These are Hummy and Spinny. Are you Ferrum or Nitrogen?

Ballonleia

Jade: What? No, Rainbow Rocket is like Team Rocket but worse! They've assimilated all these other evil teams and are trying to conquer the multiverse and turn it into a spectrum of evil!

...

...O-okay I made up the specific phrase "spectrum of evil" but the rest is accurate!

J-Con, Past

A tall young man wearing a grungey buttondown and a black and white checkered tie walks down the halls of the con. He is accompanied by a teenager wearing a baggy hoodie and a baseball cap, and baggy cargo pants. The two look remarkably alike. The pair are followed by an umbreon and an indeedee, both wearing collars.

The shorter, younger boy was ill at ease and the expression on his face is a mix of awkwardness, mortification, and disgust. His hands were stuffed into the pockets of his sweatshirt. The taller boy seems understandably concerned with his younger charge.

They spoke to each other in Galarian, but in two different accents. The older one spoke in an Angelan accent, specific to the Los Phiones area, while the other spoke in an affected Galarian accent that's typically found among upper class schoolboys in Wyndon.

Louis: G, if it makes you uncomfortable, we can go back. You don't have to go here if you don't want to. You don't have to get me anything. Trust me on this.

Gaspard: Oh, but I must. As much as it pains me to be here, I made a commitment and I am honour-bound to commit to it. Also, you already paid for the ticket.

Louis: I'm telling you this now. Don't fall for the sunk costs fallacy. If you're only gonna have a rotten time surrounded by the people who make an ass of the rest of the family, then that's still gonna be a waste of money. And don't think that I'm not worried about what happens if the family catches wind of this.

Gaspard: I am not worried about that.

Louis: I can take all sorts of heat from mom and dad. If they ever found out that you went here willingly to get something for me, on your own accord, they'll go ballistic. Don't think that mom and dad are above cutting off a minor.

Gaspard: Please, mother and father will deny that I was a willing participant, let alone an instigator. They'll likely pin the blame on you, and you'll shrug it off like it was water off a ducklett's back. No offense meant, though.

Louis: None taken. That totally tracks. And don't worry about it. They can't hurt me any more than they already have. Besides, what are the odds that we'll find some other family member here?

Gaspard: I am aware that Abilene cavorts with the J-Team frequently.

Louis: Geez, how does she keep getting away with this?

They move to a small collectible stand filled with J-Team and affiliates [Funko Pops]. Among the figures are the exclusive Aurabolts series bobbleheads. Both Macraul brothers are fond of the series and collect merchandise.

Gaspard: While it isn't my place to question what a Macraul collects, it does beg the question why you chose these atrocious looking things to collect in the first place. They reek of low-cost mass production, look identical and hideous, and frankly don't seem to be all that amusing to play with.

Louis: Don't knock on my [Funkos] bro. They're cheap and satisfy the collector's itch without costing me a pretty penny. Most of the time anyway.

Gaspard: Understood. Now which of these hideously tacky things did you want to buy?

Louis: The limited edition bobblehead versions of the Aurabolts. Over there.

He points to the deformed figures themed after the version of the Aurabolts from the show.

Gaspard, in a hushed, yet audibly disgusted voice: Arceus, what did they do to Vulpecula?

Louis: You get used to these things.

Gaspard: After this, let's get you a real action figure to start a proper collection.

Louis: Don't bother, G. Besides, that's your thing.

The two completed the transaction. As the shop clerk bagged the goods, Gaspard felt a sense of relief mixed with a different positive emotion. It made him recall the thing that got him in here in the first place.

Louis had acted as Gaspard's main legal guardian in Galar, overseeing his little brother's retinue and acting on behalf of his parents whenever necessary. This role was the first time that Louis received anything from the rest of the Macraul family. The stipend he received in exchange was at least reasonable. It beats worrying about his next mortgage payments.

So it was to Gaspard's genuine surprise that his brother gave him a gift on his 15th birthday: a limited edition Aurabolts action figure of Gaia, long sold out. Something that rare would've scuttled his brother's own collecting budget.

The nearest curry restaurant near J-Con, past

Grandpa Reynard stares down at a massive plate of piping hot curry he ordered for himself. Shutter looks on in concern, barely touching his milder curry.

Shutter: Gramps, are you sure about this? They serve this with ice cream for a reason.

Grandpa Reynard: Eh, what's another spicy meal? I've taken on these things before and I had more taste buds. Plus, the doctor says I need more vitamin C, usually found in abundance in capsicum peppers.

Shutter: I'll go order more ice cream.

Grandpa Reynard: You know what. Go ahead. And before I dig in, Shutterbug, what's it that you want to tell me?

He grabs a spoonful of curry and snarfs it down.

Shutter: Well, good news, gramps. She said yes!

Beat.

Shutter: Nonno, the ice cream.

The old man complies.

Grandpa Reynard: Mamma Mia, that's one spicy meatball curry.

Shutter: Way to nail the cliché, gramps. Arceus, you even sound like Mario just now.

Grandpa Reynard: It's the capsaicin talking. If I wanted to nail a cliché, Gavin, I'd do a bad impression of Robert De Niro.

Shutter: Yeah, that'd do it.

Grandpa Reynard: So, lemme get this straight. You and Penelope...

Shutter: Uh huh.

Grandpa Reynard: Attaboy! That's great news. This calls for a celebratory double spoonful of extra hot curry.

Shutter: Gramps, pace yourself. I want you to be alive when I get married.

Grandpa did not listen.

Shutter: What even is in these meatballs?

Gimbal, via a phone: I've eaten here before, honey. It's wooloo mostly, mixed with torchic.

Shutter: And you managed to stomach this because?

Gimbal: I'm already a ghost. You should try the place with the hot wings place down the road. We tried the wings there last year. Great stuff. They also have a dairy-free soft serve option, which is nice.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Aug 17th 2021 at 7:19:26 PM

Hammerlocke Stadium, Challenge Rooms

Hoops breathes heavily from the exertion of battle as the final of the three trainers sinks down through the floor, and return the tired Tot and Rav to their pokeballs so they can rest before they need to battle again.

Hoops: That was harder than I expected it to be.

Kit: <It was really cool though.>

Hoops: Thanks, mate. You ready for the next part?

Kit: <Yeah! And I decided I want to battle in this one!>

Hoops: You sure?

Kit: <I'm sure! I want to redeem myself for the Ballonlea gym battle.>

Hoops: You know that you don't have to, right? It was my fault we lost then, not yours.

Kit: <You keep saying that, but I'm sure if I'd been stronger we would have won.>

Hoops: Hey, you did great in the battle last month. I know that you're strong. But don't worry, I'll definitely use you.

In front of them, the door is opening, revealing a tunnel that leads to the bright lights and cheers from the stands of the gym's pitch. The trainer and pokemon give each other a look of encouragement before striding together down the path before them.

Hammerlocke Stadium, Pitch

Hoops emerges onto the pitch, where Raihan is waiting for them in the centre. As they approach, Raihan turns away and snaps a selfie of himself with Hoops approaching in the background. He turns back towards them as they get close.

Raihan: So, you're Hoops. I've heard some mad things about you from some of the other leaders.

Hoops: All good things, yeah?

Raihan: I'm trying to be polite here mate.

Hoops: Fair enough. I was in a bad place for a while, but I'm working on it. Let me show you.

Raihan: Sounds like a plan. Referee!

As the two combatants walk to opposite ends of the stadium, the referee steps forwards and raises his arms.

Referee: Welcome, pokemon fans, to the gym battle of Contestant Hoops to the Gym Leader Raihan. This will be a double battle, and each trainer will have access to four pokemon. When one side has no pokemon that can fight, the battle will be over. Just like my marriage...

There is a bit of an awkward silence after that last part where no-one really knows what to say. Eventually the referee clears his throat.

Referee: Anyway, send out your pokemon now!

Raihan: Alright, pokemon fans, are you ready!? Because today we'll be starting with this awesome duo! Come on, Gigalith, Flygon!

As soon as Gigalith hits the field, its ability starts a sandstorm that makes it difficult for Hoops to see. Luckily the spectators expected this, and bring out special goggles that can be purchased at the entrance, allowing them to see the pokemon's positions on the field - and at only 500pokedollars apiece, a really good deal. Shop now while stocks last.

Hoops grabs two pokeballs.

Hoops: Sal, Led, come out!

The two small pokemon are immediately buffeted by the sandstorm, but they weather it as best they can.

Referee: And now, the battle can begin! Like my divorce proceedings just did...

Stormchaser, Pay No Mind

Molybdenum: should—have—killed—that—bird—when—I—had—the—chance

-Misery makes her threat, and-

Molybdenum: ...letting you live was stupid, too.

~Zen!~

~Calm yourself.~

-there's a knee in Misery's face-

Zen the Medicham: ~Rage clouds judgement.~

~Indignity is no matter, but I would hate for our alliance to be marred by sloppy technique.~

-ignoring this, Molybdenum returns to burying the closet skeleton-

Molybdenum: You will not ruin this for them. You will not put ideas in their head that will—that will get them killed.

-still woozy, or she'd have done this psychically, presumably—or at least performed some dictation of the way this proceeds-

(-her fingers are abnormally shaky and adrenalin-charged-)

(-also armored-)

(-they didn't stop being that when one got coated in ice cream-)

Edited by Asterisk395 on Aug 14th 2021 at 12:56:04 PM

Ballonlea

-Shun raises a curious eyebrow.-

Shun: ...I thought assimilating the multiverse was the purview of the now thankfully-defunct Mobius Society. Or those dimension-hopping authoritarians headed by that wannabe fascist alternate of myself. Are you telling me that there's yet another group with the same goals?