AU Celadon

-There is a faint sound near the reminiscing pair, like (or to be more precise, exactly) fingernails tapping against bone. The source seems to be someone who is trying to be inconspicuous despite their attire consisting of a heavy rain-jacket and some kind of yellow-tinted bone mask with a kind of... Malamar-esque aesthetic? They stand there a short distance away, staring at the pair (well, as much as can be determined from the fact they're wearing a mask-

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

A pokemon center room somewhere, a few weeks ago

Eva is sitting on a bed reading a book. The sun is starting to go down. Merah is curled up on a pillow. She looks up and notices Eva changing. She slowly morphs into a shiny Metang.

Eva: <Huh. I feel different.>

Merah: <Did you just put a scarf on?>

Eva: <No? Wait... Well frick.>

Merah: <You're dumb.>

Eva: <I guess I've been sleep-floating the past few weeks. That explains things. This is so cool!>

stormchaser kitchen, also a few weeks ago

Gwen is baking some cakes. Eva comes running up.

Eva: Hi again.

Gwen: Oh, hello.

Eva: So you know how I was telling you about my sleeping problems the other day?

Gwen: And?

Eva: Basically it turns out I'm a weremon now.

Gwen: Okay?

Eva: So like is there anything I should know or what?

Gwen: I'll try and find some info for you...

I used to plug my deviantart here but turns out the link was too long.

The Captain waved his hands, "Alright everyone calm down," he said, a thick russian accent atoning a rather gravelly voice. "We are here for some relaxation, best keep your voices down. The Policia may not approve of what we're saying."

Kincade laughed, "Oi! Ya worried about the cops? Don't, they don't care. We pay enough they turn the other way."

"Oh my, corruption?" the blonde woman said, "Dear you weren't aware?"

The Captain shrugged and stepped down. Kincade got a good look, black hair with numerous grey streaks, a beard that commanded respect, and a prosthetic arm coated in red plastic, "The hell happened?" Kincade asked.

The Captain smirked, "Long story. Heroes to the union rewarded for handling traitors."

Kincade scoffed and grabbed a cigar, "Really now?"

The Captain flicked a thumb and a lighter appeared, lighting the cigar, "Yes. Captain Dimitri Sokolov of the Hades. Veritable old ship isn't she?"

"And your friends?" Kincade asked.

"The blonde is my... "associate", Miss Natasha Popov. She is special. The boy is my son, Ivan, and his fiancé Mia. He's supposed to be learning from me about a lot. We also have Thalia and Pauline, crew members who handle acquisitions. The one who is in a zoom call is Constance Yang. And finally, Dr. Rosalinde Stein, she's been travelling with us for awhile and is the reason my crew hasn't died yet."

Kincade looked over the assembled misfits and instantly knew the types, "Ah. You're here for some product, sounds like we'll need to hit a warehouse for trade."

Dimtiri laughed, "Oh no need. We are here to just spend some time at the casino, enjoy ourselves, no?"

Kincade nodded, "Well I can show you to the tables! Always good to have a new sucker in hand, eh?"

Dimitri smirked and let Kincade lead them up.

Deep within the phones everyone carried, a Pory stretched as he started to sniff the systems.

---

Within the Magikarp, the projection of a inky black figure appeared... outside the sub pretending to drown.

Alright then fren, I got some good stuff for you today. I've outfitted a gaster blaster into some jewelry, diamonds are a girl's best friend after all. Next up is a listening device earrings, and really the rest is up to you. I'm the medium, you're the artist, though disguising myself.

The Pen was suddenly covered by what looked to be decorative feathers, So that way you'll never be without me. You ready for some high stakes casino games?

A ring came over to Not Megan, Bishop's voice picked up, "They've breached the Casino. Got in contact with the Mercenary Smuggler, I've already started to sniff out connection points. Now Miss Suiko, how much damage do you want to cause?"

A map of the area appeared on her phone, "I've marked off points where transmitters are located, they are disguised and thus should be unguarded. Take out those and I'll find the warehouse sooner. The disguises can only hold up for so long before someone asks the right questions."

Upon seeing Ironspire, "Ah hello Doctor. Here to assist?"

Hammerlocke Gym Battle

Hoops, Kec and the newly renamed Vul stare up at the giant sized Duraludon. The air crackles with Dynamax energy that pushes against them like a storm.

Raihan: So, which of your pokemon are you going to dynamax?

Hoops: Yeah, this is kind of awkward. I actually can't dynamax my pokemon.

Raihan: What? Why? Didn't you get one as part of the start of the league?

Hoops: I threw it away. I had this whole thing about proving that I didn't need those types of gimmicks to win gym battles, so I gave it to a kid or something.

Raihan: Okay first of all that was monumentally stupid. Second, are you saying a random kid out there has the power to dynamax their pokemon?

Hoops: I mean, what's the worst that could happen?

Kec: <The horrific burns you received as a child.>

Hoops: Not helping, Kec.

Raihan buries his face in his hands. He takes another selfie of his disappointed face and posts it to his social media.

Raihan: Well, let's just get this over with. Duraludon, use G-Max Depletion!

Duraludon releases a wave of draconic energy that sweeps over the field.

Hoops: Kec, get in front of Vul and use Iron Tail!

Kec nods and dives in the way as his tail and body turn a clear silver. Vul crouches behind him as he does his best to tank much of the blow with his resistant typing.

Hoops: Now, uh, Vul, I don't know if your moves have changed, so, uh, use one of them!

Vul complies, opening his mouth and releasing a beam of dark energy that strikes Duraludon in the chest.

Hoops: Dark Pulse! Nice!

Vul: <Thanks! I didn't even know I could do that!>

Raihan: Max Steelspike!

Duraludon stomps, and large spikes of metal begin to split the ground open, turning the field into a deadly no man's land of pointed steel.

Hoops: Dodge!

Kec and Vul do their best to dodge the erupting spikes when they come out near them, but there are too many, and they are each hit. As the spikes retreat, Duraludon's body gleams as his defence rises.

Vul: <That really salts my salad!>

A ball of some necrotic energy forms at the top of his back and rolls along his tail. As it launches off the end, he swings the tail and slams the orb with as much force as he can. It flies upwards and strikes Duraludon on the jaw.

Kec: <Shadow Ball?>

Vul: <I guess so. This is awesome!>

Hoops: He only has one more move, guys, just weather this next one!

Raihan: I hope you can! Duraludon, use Max Knuckle!

The giant pokemon flares with energy, and the sky above him flares with an aura that becomes a giant fist, descending on the field like a comet.

Hoops: Try and stop it! Kec, use Shadow Claw and Vul use Dark Pulse!

The pokemon release their moves, Kec jumping into the air to strike the fist, while Vul tries to slow it down with his attack. Unfortunately the fist is too large and barely slows before it slams into the stadium, creating a huge explosion of dust. Through it, Duraludon's form can be seen wearing off and it returns to its normal size.

Raihan: Well done, Duraludon. That was great.

Hoops: Not yet!

The dust cloud is blown away as Kec swings his shadow claws, revealing both him and Vul, still standing but looking majorly beaten up.

Raihan: Huh. That's not bad.

Hoops: Oh yeah. Here's a post for you: Hoops wins final gym badge, makes Raihan look like a loser.

Raihan: ... do you think social media works like a tabloid newspaper?

Hoops: Whatever. Vul, Kec, give it a Foul Play and Iron Tail!

Both: <Right!>

Raihan: Oh, like that, huh? Use Iron Head!

Duraludon bends forwards and charges, moving surprisingly quick for its size. Vul meets it head on, using dark energy fed by the other pokemon's own power. After a short struggle, both are thrown back. As Vul is pushes back, he raises his tail and lets Kec jump onto it. He pushes the smaller pokemon forwards.

Kec flies towards Duraludon, spinning in the air and swinging his tail in a wide arc.

Raihan: Huh. Nice one.

A second later, the referee shouts.

Referee: Duraludon and Thievul are both unable to battle! Because Kecleon is still standing, the winner is Challenger Hoops, who earns their eighth and final gym badge.

The crowd cheers in response. For a moment, Hoops just enjoys the sound of the crowd that they were scared they would never hear like this.

Wild Area, Giant's Cap

Vana: Right, if that's the way we should do it then I guess there's nothing else to do.

She checks her device, which is showing the last minutes of Hoops' battle.

Vana: I'll go and wait outside the stadium. I'll lead them back here, and then you guys can do your... you know.

She runs off towards Hammerlocke.

[Venice], Harbour - July 7th

-Rosalinde gives Kincade a nod and a faint smile that doesn't come anywhere close to meeting her eyes eye.-

Rosalinde: Ja. It is always good to enjoy some... recreation between business dealings.

-She follows behind as the group is led off the ramp.-

Wild Area, Giant's Cap

Ferrum: Recognisable, simple, yadda yadda yadda. Trust me, a railway spike through the skull is about as simple as you can get.

-He watches as Vana runs off, before turning to Nitrogen with a smirk.-

Ferrum: So, what's the over/under on her getting cold feet? Reckon you'd know, since you choked at one point too. Of course, you also know that we don't usually keep around the ones who don't have the guts, right? Well, other than you, the lucky exception.

-He shrugs, letting his hammer rest against the ground.-

Ferrum: Long as you remember that you are an exception.

Edited by Herbert40k on Aug 20th 2021 at 6:16:37 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.

AU!Celadon, past

Channah: That... sounds scary.

Korexis: -bravely, but with a slight quiver- <A femur? Huh, I'd like to see someone try that on me.>

Channah: Wait, do you - -notices the Malamar person and stiffens- Er. The fuck is that? When did you show up?

There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.

AU Cefflaron

-A familiar woman may be near Tagg and Channah-

-Allong with a slightly less familiar but still familiar green-haired man-

School Library

Victor: -nods, still smiling- Ah, my apologies. How have you been?

-he thinks a bit-

Give me... We have a new one file, a Nico Cerebrum, right? Also, remind me of our stock on Legendary DNA?

Contact Me!

[Venice]'s Port, July 7th

Thalia: "Crew?" Fah! I am a guest!

Pauline: -smiling, mild- We do acquire goods for our dear escorts, yes.

Thalia: ...I could use a cocktail. And some slots.

[Venice]'s Heart, July 7th

Dr. Ironspine: -blinking up at Daydre- <Science, yes. Do I know you? You look—>

Megan: —beautiful. ^_^

Dr. Ironspine: <...I was going to say—>

Megan: Oh hey an incoming call!! Better take that. -she says to herself-

-she mouths "you know each other" to Daydre, entirely...not out of eyeshot of Ironspine-

-for her part, the good Doctor does not seem to care-

Dr. Ironspoine: -bemused- <..."foxy".>

Megan: -to Bishop- Ohohoho—I would love to wreak some havoc.

Monument Security Guard: ?

Megan: -putting her hand over the mouthpiece, apologetic- (...LAR Ping.) ^_^;

Security Guard: -mutter, in [Italian]- Fucking nerds.

School - Library

Librarian: -smile, pat pat- I've got my work, Victor. And my dear—ah!

-shuffle over-

Librarian: -turning a rolodex- Cerebrum, Cerebrum...ah, mister 'Exnaut'.

-she withdraws something very much like a TM disc, extending a wrinkled hand to push it across the desk- Freshly sequenced, for your eyes only! Return this one, dear. We stopped burning things after reading before mister Bond did!

-chortle-

Librarian: -and scoff, as to an old in-joke- As mythical as the beasts themselves. That is to say, we know they exist but we damn well haven't seen 'em.

Elderly Hypno: -tugs her sleeve-

Librarian: ...oh?

-a moment of silent conference, and-

Librarian: -...opening the 'returns' fridge again- Well, that's peculiar…

-and here she withdraws...a tray-

-a tray with one vial-

-wrapped in a sort of foil, with a warning label-

-she squints at the symbols, frowns, and pulls a welder's mask and set of tongs from beneath her desk, proffering goggles to Victor himself-

Wyndon, Pokémart

-someone's shopping-

Logan: -scrolling through a Styler list- Instant ramen, toilet paper, cell batteries, flour—oooh, this place has pop rocks.

Addie: -tiny cheek smack- <Hey. Stay on track.>

Logan: I see you added nuts to the list.

Addie: <Lies and slander.>

Luxor: -big cat yawn- <When I said I wanted to see Galar, it definitely was as your pack Mudbray.>

Logan: That is definitely why we brought you along, yes. :P

Luxor: <Definitely.>

-she stops and sniffs the air-

Luxor: -bounding off- <...hold on, I smell another one of those Berry rats. Don't wait up.>

Addie: -calling after her- <Happy hunting!>

Logan: ...is it weird saying that when it's somemon so close to you in the Egg Group?

Addie: -shrug- <Luxor's in it, too. It's the circle of life.>

<...and it's less competition for nuts.> -squirrel claw-twiddle-grin-

Logan: Welp.

Addie: <...hope it's not that bunch that liked your guitar so much.>

Logan: If nothing else, I'm glad they've got music on the brain before the jaws close in. 😔

-they're both wearing loud lightning-patterned Alolan shirts and fanny packs-

-...look, you can't be glamorous every day-

No mind to think. No will to break.

[Venice]

Ivan: "I still fail to see what's so appealing about casinos."

Mia: "Gambling, dear."

-Ivan scoffs.-

Ivan: "But why go to a casino?"

-Mia shrugs and skips off, Ivan following behind with his hands in his coat.-

"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"

AU!Celadon

-To Channah-

A lot of things were terrible about back then, spending almost sleepless nights praying Lanius' forces didn't attempt to overrun us, the grittiness of urban warfare, the crosses everywhere, I could go on.

Muddy: -Serious- <Do you want to see the Center?>

I don't know ye-

-Noticing the assorted people-

Er, hello?

Familiar faces but in different times and places...

Opelucid Natural History Museum Planetarium, today

Chiyo: -Looking at a model- It's always so interesting to me how the night sky is a picture of the past, we see what these stars were like years, decades, centuries, even millennia ago, it's amazing.

If I didn't have to worry about the School so often, I'd love to become an astronomer...

Nicky and Kendra: -Just vibing while listening-

Dactyl: -Is used to it-

Nicky: -To Chiyo- You feeling better since last night?

Chiyo: -Is looking a bit better than she did yesterday- Definitely.

Among one of the less expected use for barriers I've figured out is having them serve as a mesh so that I can heal more quickly

Ampharos: -To an Azumarill and a Serperior, looking at another section- <I-I think that star is where the Space Ampharos come from.>

Azumarill: <Well, hopefully we don't have to deal with Cycle and them again Ovis.>

Serperior Let's Be Real It's Totally Anguis: <I'll say...>

Kendra: -Overhearing- Those mons don't seem to have a trainer, how'd they get in here?

Azumarill: -Ears twitch as she overhears their overhearing- <We paid the suggested fee just like everyone else. Our trainer's busy elsewhere right now and we can just do whatever as long as it isn't illegal.>

Chiyo: These mons feel familiar, but not because I've met them before...

Kendra: -Slightly embarrassed- Sorry, didn't mean it that way.

Azumarill: <Apology accepted.> ^_^

Anguis: -Flicking his tongue- <You have this adventurer smell to you. Are you guys J-Team?>

Nicky: -Shaking head- Oh no, we like exploring and stuff, but we're not fighters or anything like that. No taking on Teams for us.

Ovis: <M-Maybe you're just smelling general adventurer odor then Anguis.>

Anguis: -Tilts head- <Maybe you two aren't, but the girl with the rainbow star necklace, she definitely is. You look like you got out of a nasty fight.>

Chiyo: -To Anguis- J-Team? You wouldn't happen to know a "Tagg" now would you?

Azumarill: <Tagg? He's our trainer!>

Anguis: -Slightly suspicious- <...You're not some weird fan, are you?>

Azumarill: <She hasn't gotten super gushy so that's unlikely.>

Chiyo: -Waving hands- Oh no, we just met once a long time ago.

Dactyl: <He helped her out and she just owes him a debt.>

Chiyo: He seemed to have a lot on his plate, I don't want to dump more on him, these Templars are something I need to take care of...

While there are people in the Oasis who can fight, like me, most of them aren't fighters, and involving the group at large risks compromising it to the School and whoever else.

-To the mons-

Is Tagg doing okay?

Anguis: -Tail to chin- <Hmm, how familiar are you with alternate universes?>

Chiyo: Kinda, I've been to others but it's more Nicky and Kendra's wheelhouse than mine.

Azumarill: <He went to one of those, said he'd be back in Galar in like a week if you're looking for him.>

Chiyo: That's okay, I wouldn't want to impose...

Dactyl: -Concerned- <Chiyo...>

Anguis: <You sound just like him when he has troubles...>

Nicky: -Putting hands on Chiyo's shoulders- Come on, you've got us at least.

Chiyo: -Getting agitated- We don't know how long we've got until the School tracks me to Unova, their agents are everywhere and I won't have you getting hurt.

Kendra: -The three leaning in a sort of huddle- Let's just focus on the stars with your friend's nice Pokémon and we'll worry about that later.

Chiyo: -Calming down- Okay, I'll try focusing on that for now.

-To Ovis-

Ovis, right? You got a favorite star?

Ovis: <U-Um, well my favorite is...>

-This continues for quite some time-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 15th 2021 at 2:09:44 PM

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Chem's Tea and T

Percy: Viper. Good name. Nice sounds.

-she drains her coffee and Gatrade within seconds of each other-

Well, uh, nice to know I've got a Champion looking out for me, I guess. I still think it'd be cool if you made it, Mason. I can't promise I'll be in the stands, but I'll be rooting for you.

Wyndon Pokemart

-there's a woman shopping-

Woman: Isn't this supposed to be someone else's job?

Magneton: <Yeah, but...you sort of murdered him.>

-yeah, it's Adelinde and Camazotz-

Adelinde: Hm. I should start sending Lutetium on these errands. He needs some practice with understanding how to be an ordinary human being.

Camazotz: <I feel confident that that's not a good plan.>

Adelinde: You could stand to let me fantasize. This is so...dreary.

-she steps out of the way of a hunting Luxray-

...

-takes a deep breath, as she reminds herself of just how fragile the world around her is-

-exhales-

-and goes back to shopping-

Adelinde: Ughhhhhh.

Camazotz: <Look on the bright side!>

Adelinde: There is no silver lining to chores. I am obliged to carry heavy loads with only the power of my arms, the diet of a child must be inferred from first principles, and I have to look at that.

-she gestures at a pair of loud Alolan shirts and fanny packs-

-it should be noted that she's wearing a white trenchcoat, white yoga pants, a bright purple button-down, and white 2-inch heels at a grocery store in late summer, but maybe when your principal means of interaction with the world is stone-throwing, everything looks like a glass house anyway-

Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.

AU Cefflaron

Woman: Hm? Who are you?

Man: You look familiar, nyan.

School Library

-Victor's eyes light up and sparkle noticeably as he takes the vial and disc-

Victor: Splendid! What's in this vial? Oh, the possibilities... I'm working on a new project you see, if you don't mind me rambling.

Contact Me!

[Venice], July 7th

They mouth back "sort of??? through kaiju fight???", somehow getting the multiple question marks across.

Ignoring the mild internal screaming that erupts at being called beautiful, they turn to Ironspine.

"... Uh.. thanks?"

What is definitely not Daydre's shadow wiggles, and a foxy sounding voice comes out of it.

Who? Definitely Not Daydre's Shadow: <Ooh is it havoc wreaking time?>

"Shh!"

Stormchaser, Daydre's Room

Daydre lies in bed, staring at the ceiling.

How long have I been at this for? Hours? I need to do.. something.

Flipnote the Hattrem: <Hello?>

I'm not getting anywhere like this.. I told myself I'd actually finish the League this time but I haven't made progress on that end in what, months?

Flipnote: <You know I can hear you right>

It's not like I haven't been training, but I feel like I'm just stalling for time. What am I even stalling for? It's not like there's some arbitrary wait limit, so why can't I just...?

Flipnote: <Are you going to keep monologuing or are you going to get out of bed>

Is this where I give up? Is this where I stop?

Flipnote looks at Rowan, who is sprawled out on the floor nearby.

Flipnote: <Hey do you mind if I get her out of bed>

Rowan: <Not really, so long as you're nice about it.>

Daydre is abruptly psychically shoved out of bed and onto the floor. She just kind of sits there, in a pile of blankets, for a while.

Rowan: <Hey, what did I just say!>

Flipnote: <That's as nice as I can manage>

The blanket pile twitches.

Once.

Twice.

...Aaand Daydre erupts out of it into a standing position!

"I know now what I must do"

Rowan: <Oh, nice.>

Flipnote: <...Hah?>

"It's time for another montage!"

Flipnote: <What>

Kazma: <Oh, first time?>

Flipnote: <Where in the fuck did you come from>

off the shits

School - Library

-no response to the rambling remark, but she has to Victor's knowledge never stopped someone from rambling in her direction unless it breaks the library decibel threshold-

Elderly Hypno: -flips a light switch, shielding data and sample shelves alike behind heavy blast curtains-

Librarian: -masked and gloved, Hypno's Light Screen in place- This purports to be...

-and she peels away the lining, just a tad-

---

-and it is radiant-

---

Librarian: ...Victini fur.

-bizarrely, the eye-searing light appears to possess the distinctive sheen of a Shiny Pokémon-

Librarian: -reading a log- Retrieved by one of our own Alumni! Isn't that nice.

-and at Victor's request, she kicks his leg-

Librarian: Now hold on there, sonny! Texts of this nature require approval from    the higher-ups   .

-the curtains ripple in an unseen breeze-

Librarian: -cough, to herself- Gesundheit.

-she re-seals the aperture, Geiger counters ceasing their wail-

Librarian: You'll have to submit a request, same as everyone else. In triplicate.

-she slides a much-copied form across the desk, its heavy-duty staple scraping the wood-

-...yaaay, paperwork-

-...and this is when rambling takes place, traditionally-

Wyndon Pokémart

-in almost uncanny unison, two heads pivot to look in Adelinde's direction-

Logan: -perky- Beautiful day, isn't it?

Addie: -squeak squeak meow-

Disdainful expression—disdain for me specifically—mid-thirties, rich outfit, unused to the setting and irritated with it,

...outfit requiring frequent laundering or numerous duplicates—or alternate outfits no wait focus—

Purple eyes. Huh.

-since they do this with everyone they meet, it is with no particular alarm nor apprehension that they greet her-

Logan: -profoundly Mareepish, lightly Sinn-accented- I'm sorry, I'm not from these parts and don't know my way around. You wouldn't happen to know the way to the station boutique, would you?

-glittering- Oh, I love Magneton.

Edited by Asterisk395 on Aug 20th 2021 at 10:11:11 AM

No mind to think. No will to break.

Ballonlea Pokemon Center

-In one of the rooms of the Pokemon Center, Shun is pacing up and down, engaged in what is apparently a quite animated phonecall with someone.-

Shun: Listen, I understand that resources aren't limitless, but I believe that the existence of such a group represents a serious security threat, and having an informant would be-

...

She should be covered under the LILA Act. You can't just dismiss such a case out of hand without even-

...

No, I am not being hysterical! I have spent the better part of the last year parading in front of the league as some... some glorified mascot, the least you can do is let me do some goddamn police work!

...

...Yes, sir.

...

...Understood. Have a nice day, sir.

-He sighs, hangs up the phone, and turns to Jade.-

Shun: Bad news. My superiors at Interpol are apparently of the opinion that their time and energy are better spent elsewhere. Suffice it to say, I disagree.

Edited by Herbert40k on Aug 20th 2021 at 12:40:24 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.

School Library

-Victor does not skip a beat-

Victor: Ah, if you insist!

-he starts reading through and signing the large stack of paperwork , talking the whole time-

So I was thinking. What if I could create an experiment who could use their psychic powers to draw from a person's negative emotions and use them to create a Pokemon-like construct! It would further the mission of Pokemon redundancy if someone could say, create Pokemon with their own abilities instead of using real ones. If humans can perfect these kinds of powers there's no need for anyone else, right? But hmmm, maybe Darkrai DNA would work better - oh, but Victini DNA would be great for the energy generation necessary for said constructs, thank you, any art piece needs that kind of extra touch, you're being very helpful, the work environment here is much better than Pokefutures, they only cared about the money and not the art, see, but this will help a fair bit, especially as one of my last few experiments ran away on me, the nerve of hi- oh, I think I'm done!

Ballonleia Pokemon Center

Jade: ...They don't... They don't believe me? Rainbow Rocket is real, and a real threat!

Edited by Umbramatic on Aug 20th 2021 at 6:58:39 AM

Contact Me!

Ballonlea Pokemon Center

Shun: I believe you, and I realise that. Unfortunately, my superiors have always had a hard time taking me seriously.

-He sighs, then thinks for a moment.-

Shun: ...There is a group I'm aware of that has a reputation for dealing with teams such as these. The one member I was closest to retired some years ago, but the group itself is still active. I might be able to put you in touch. If nothing else, they should be able to provide protection whilst Rainbow Rocket is dealt with.

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.

Montage

Training!

The various members of Daydre's Galar team gang up on EMPEROR, who's offered to help with training. troublesome breaks up the ground around him to slow him down, while Bartholomew rolls into him with a fiery tackle. EMPEROR bird-grins as he takes the attack, grabs Bartholomew, and spins him into a swirling vortex that sends him flying away. EMPEROR doesn't seem to have taken very much damage at all, and doesn't even flinch when Kazma launches a flurry of kicks at his face. He sends Kazma flying with a steely chop of his wing, right into Disco Duck. The Brick Break Disco Duck was preparing goes wide as the two are thrown back. Flipnote half-heartedly fires a Psybeam at EMPEROR, but like the other attacks it doesn't do much. EMPEROR walks over to her and gently chops her on the head, which she responds to by falling over.

Azure looks on, feigning boredom but looking more than a little interested in the proceedings.

Circhester Gym Challenge!

It is Sandstorming.

Daydre: Is it cheating if I use my Thing to sense where people are because that trainer over there is really upset about something and I can tell where she is-

Gym Trainer Wendy: "My ex sent me a text saying she wants to get back together but I'm not ready to forgive her for what broke us up in the first place! Go, Sudowoodo!"

Daydre: "Why are you telling me this- AUGH"

Daydre chokes as she opens her mouth too wide and swallows some sand.

Gordie!

Kazma Flame Charges into Gordie's Shuckle, but is quickly KO'd in retaliation by the latter's Rock Tomb.

Daydre winces and returns him, sending out troublesome next.

troublesome appears on the field and just. Smiles at the Shuckle.

Shuckle: <...>

troublesome: (slowly approaching) < ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) >

Shuckle: <Please. Stop coming closer.>

troublesome <ᕕ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)ᕗ>

Shuckle: <How are you doing that with your mouth?>

troublesome <ᕕ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)ᕗᕕ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)ᕗᕕ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)ᕗ>

Shuckle:(-stones erupting from the ground around troublesome-) <AUGH>

troublesome, now close enough to touch the Shuckle, Iron Heads him into unconsciousness. The Stone Edge doesn't even phase troublesome as he begins to glow.

By the time the glow fades, troublesome is a Copperajah and Gordie has sent out his next opponent.

Shenanigans!

troublesome wanders through the Wild Area disrupting other trainers' campsites in various ways. Mostly by poking through tents looking for unsecured fruit. All the while with his trademark smile, which is even more off-putting now that he's like, almost 10 feet tall. Daydre has somehow lost track of him and has to follow him through the prints he's leaving behind.

off the shits

[Venice], Magikarp Submarine

Ooh, fancy. Alright then buddy.

-Gale finished assembling her diving gear and wetsuit and stepped over to the sub's somewhat cramped airlock-

Let's go cheat at baccarat and fight bad guys.

-And with that, she heads out into the water to do that cool thing-

AU Celadon

-The masked man wanders over, trying to continue looking inconspicuous despite his utterly weird outfit. Once he's close enough he speaks up, softly. The voice is... Slightly familiar-

Was not informed you would be here...

-The voice rattles a bit due to the mask but it's something like Pentigan's voice except trying way harder to be harsh and grim-

It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.

Ballonleia Center

-Jade raises an eye4brow-

Jade: ...Another group? What kind of other group?

Contact Me!

Ballonlea Pokemon Center

Shun: They're called the J-Team - and before you ask, no, I don't know where the name came from, but they're not like other teams. They're a travelling group of trainers that tend to pop up whenever there's a crisis and jet off someplace else when it's finished. I don't exactly approve, but... again, I've known a couple of members. They're good people. And they've been of good help to me before.

-He turns and starts pacing again.-

Shun: I don't know if any of them will remember me. Or even if they liked me in the first place. I'm not even sure who amongst their number I would reach out to. But that decentralised nature is one of their strengths. It should mean that you'll be safe with them, hopefully.

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.

Wyndon Pokemart

-Adelinde stares down at Logan as they start speaking-

-her eyes are purple, yes, and some of those thin strands of purple stroma appear to shimmer-

-the lightest touch against Logan and Addie's mind, simply a confirmation that they're there, easily missable save by someone deeply familiar with such touches-

-there's a feeling, that Logan may be familiar with-

-the feeling of knowing that the person who you're talking to is giving thought to killing you, and maybe a whole lot of other people-

-but then she sighs, and she looks like any other weirdly-dressed woman doing emergency groceries on a Friday night, mildly harried and bored-

-probably just being paranoid, Logan-

Adelinde: The weather's alright.

It's on the west side of the city. Leave the station, turn west, which is right, follow the street as it turns. The boutique will be on your left.

-her eyes narrow as Logan glitters, and she makes more intense eye contact than people normally do-

Camazotz: -preens...somehow- <I'm flattered.>

Adelinde: You're an Electric trainer.

-very much not a question-

-there's the faintest sound of rasping from one of the shelves, and something glows faintly purple behind a couple bottles of pop rocks-

Do you know any others?

Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.

Montage (Part II)

More Training!

Azure has joined in on the training. Despite his best efforts he hasn't made so much as a dent in EMPEROR, but going by his determined expression he doesn't seem too bothered by this.

Bartholomew spews a cloud of obscuring smoke onto the battlefield. EMPEROR lashes out into it, catching an approaching Disco Duck off-guard but doing nothing to stop Kazma, who once again gets a kick in at EMPEROR'S face. EMPEROR actually winces this time, and grins- but before he can retaliate he's held in place with Psychic energy. Left unable to move, troublesome is free to emerge from the ground beneath him and throw him off to the side.

EMPEROR lies still on the ground for a moment.

Then he gets back up.

... Albeit a little winded. The others get ready to fight again, but EMPEROR just gives them the Empoleon equivalent of a thumbs up.

Marnie!

Kazma is on the verge of fainting, breath heavy and vision a little hazy.

"Kazma, come b-"

Kazma: <No, I can still fight!>

"..."

Daydre hesitates, but keeps him out.

He and Marnie's Scrafty trade blows, Kazma just barely hanging on as the Scrafty chips away at his stamina. This works in reverse, though, too- by the end of the barrage the Scrafty isn't looking so good either. In a lucky break one of the Scrafty's punches goes wide and Kazma lashes out at her stomach. The Scrafty trips back and goes skidding to a stop, while Kazma backsteps and tries to catch his breath.

There is a moment of silence.

The two stare across the distance separating them.

Then the Scrafty rushes forward, her hand cloaked in draining aura.

Kazma responds in kind and charges forward, wreathed in flame.

The two clash in the middle of the stadium, the flames around Kazma raging brighter and brighter...

... And the Scrafty faints. The flames around Kazma disperse, leaving a Cinderace in their place.

Announcer: "... And that's the battle! Challenger Daydre wins!"

Kazma: <Huh?>

<...>

<Oh fuck yeah I'm not less than a meter anymore!!>

Celebration!

Daydre and co. jump in the air and freeze frame, celebrating their recent victories!

... Except not really, they come down again eventually.

Rowan:-holding a camera with his tails- <Wait, sorry, we need to do that again.>

"Aw, what?"

Rowan: <I don't have hands Day, why did you ask me to do this?>

Hammerlocke!

Daydre and her team stand before Hammerlocke Stadium, arrayed in a loose semicircle a little ways away from the entrance.

"... Wow I wasn't expecting that to work a second time."

Flipnote: <What the fuck just happened>

Kazma: <Montage.>

Flipnote: <Ok whatever>

Kazma: <Don't sass me, you asked.>

"Well, I've made my effort. Time to go back to sleep-"

off the shits

AU!Celadon

-To the Masked Man-

I phoned in that I'd be in town but I guess they neglected to tell you.

-To the other two-

Let's just say I have that sort of face.

-To Muddy-

I've decided, we're going to the Center.

-Starts walking-

Aspertia Observation Deck

Chiyo: -Looking out through her telescope- The stars are amazing tonight...

Ovis: <D-Definitely!>

Dactyl: -As shooting stars come down- <It was a night like this that Chiyo and I first met.>

Chiyo: You were one of the first things I'd ever gotten without the School's stick attached, and I wouldn't trade you for the world.

Dactyl: -Floating closer- <Me too.>

Kendra: -Tapping Chiyo- So, Nicky and I were thinking.

Chiyo: Hmm?

Nicky: Would you like to go with us on an expedition tomorrow? Wouldn't be too dangerous, probably.

Chiyo: -Smiling- You know what, sure.

Kendra: -To Ovis and co- You guys are invited too, of course.

Azumarill: <Sounds interesting, we'd love to.>

Edited by rmctagg09 on Aug 21st 2021 at 5:29:39 AM

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Wild Area — Giant's Cap

-Nitrogen watches Vana go, staring into the distance after she's out of sight.-

Nitrogen: ...Poor kid. No way she's gonna be Valedictorian of her class.

-She tucks her hands into her pockets idly.-

Nitrogen: I'd just put her out now, if it was up to me. She's not gonna realize some grand purpose within the School, she'll just have more and more doubts.

-She finally breaks her gaze away from the horizon, and looks at Ferrum.-

Nitrogen: My class was rebellious and underhanded by nature. A community of kids inherently resistant to the School's tactics, all inherently different from the people running the show, and only ever exposed to each other. No indication that anyone among them could be anything like the Templars. But this class? The Freshman class? They've got a whole different problem. They're isolated into small groups, or even solo aside from interaction with their tutors, and that means a bigger risk of... imprinting, on the first person they find out in the field who ever shows them a modicum of sympathy.

-She snorts.-

Nitrogen: On top of that, I hear a couple of the new kids are using J-Team genes directly. That's just asking for trouble. Why draw from a bunch of lunatics who are still out there to this day, actively exerting their hero complexes?

Chem's Tea and T

Mason: ...Thanks. I guess, uh, if I do end up winning... It'll be for you, and the rest of the class. I'm not gonna say it out loud, but... yeah. It's for all of us.

-He glances at Scarlette.-

Mason: I'm guessing you're not planning on going easy on me if we meet in finals, though.

Scarlette: Oh, hell no. I'm fighting hard, and I sure hope you're planning on fighting dirty.

Mason: Well, it is what I do best. Fine then, challenge accepted.

Scarlette: Hell yeah.