Roxy, Silas, Hacks, and Khan walked along the halls, looking over plans and discussing.

"I really think you should consider Bishop's idea. These plans would be helpful and I get the feeling we could make use of it," Roxy stated looking at some blueprints.

Silas sighed, "I have been thinking about it, and I'm willing to work it out."

Bishop popped out, "Oh? You're willing to consider my idea."

The party halted, Khan and Hacks looked at each other knowingly, as a small smirk appeared on Silas's face. Bishop tilted his head, pondering what his Captain could be thinking.

"I'm willing to consider your space upgrades Bishop, if we make some other alterations to the ship," Silas stated.

"Of course Captain, I can make plans very easily, what do you require of me?" Bishop responded, pleased to hear reason at last.

"Well we have a bunch of Cabins and space we aren't use on both decks, so tell you what, find a way to reduce the cabins so we still have guest space... AND find me room to install a spa with a hot tub and saunas, and a pool somewhere on the ship... all without using space bending, and we'll get you that upgrade," Silas said.

Bishop blinked, "A-Are you certain?" he asked a little nervous.

<My my, so confident earlier but now faced with actual work he seems to be backing out,> Khan commented.

~He doesn't have the Wing hooked up right now, no way to supercomputer his way out. Give him time,~ Hacks said.

Bishop drifted back into Silas's bag, pondering the hell to do, Roxy gave her husband a bit of a cheeky look, "That was mean."

"He needs to stop making changes without my permission," Silas explained, turning around the corner of the hallway.

Stormchaser, Silas Zone

-Sudenly Risky is there-

Risky: "...Hi."

Wyndon Stadium

-The Earthquake does nothing-

-Kofun has Levitate-

-Kofun chuckles and Gyro Balls again-

Split Decision Ruins

-A Dragon Ball appears!-

-No not one of those-

Regidraco: <Rawr I'm a dragon!>

-looks at Daydre-

<Ooh, who are you?>

Kalos Forest

-The seed swells, growing plump and shiny and soul-y-

???: <URGH>

Olivia: <...Did you hear that? I think it may have been Ol' Grandsappy crying out! He seemed pretty feeble when we talked to him... But that was no feeble URGH. Oh no, oh no, do you think he's OK?>

Stormchaser, Odin Zone

Aurelia: Oh. Sorry to bother you.

-Beat-

Aurelia: Busy with what?

Edited by AnimeboyIanpower on Oct 12th 2021 at 11:10:59 AM

Stormchaser, Medbay

-ah, here's familiar ground-

-she acknowledges the death threat for what it is and moves on-

Zayna: -huff, around the straw- ~Damn. There goes that theory.~

-the fun thing about telepathy is she can talk and sip this stuff at the same time-

~...least I don't need to pay up.~

-she honors the dead she knew the way the lesser of them are taught:-

-privately, and silently, with absolutely nothing showing in her face-

Zayna: -slowly- ~You're...just giving information away. Leaving me unsupervised with…~

-what kind of reason is that-

-brow furrowed- ~You…volunteered to…?~

-naive people don't make death threats and mean them; unintelligence can't accomplish...this-

-she's watched a few doctors at work in her day, usually in the aftermath—this scientist doesn't think quite like any of them, either-

-...conclusion…:-

Zayna: ~...so Hiro—hm. the Alíthea—is still alive. If you're telling me to leave him that way.~

-unenrolled people are weird-

-...well, while information's flowing-

-an edge to her thoughts- ~...does he know I'm still alive? How did he survive who he fought...no, of course. Did you heal him, too?~

-for all she knows, the walls have ears-

-literal ears-

-and here she thought this Molybdenum was the one to finally grow an imagination-

Wyndon Outskirts

-Abilene workshops a line regarding exactly how easy it is to kick her over, but then-

'Abilene: (...I)

-but then they say that-

Abilene: -boggling- (I am...surrounded)

-when did this become her life-

Abilene: -pressing a hand to her glasses frame- (by nerds.)

-eccentrics with more charm and less sense than could possibly be good for them-

Abilene: You're really just like this, aren't you. You're really going to make me do this.

-she draws herself upright, poise draped over herself like a cloak-

Abilene: My dearest hope is that I, specifically, am safe and secure without shedding the remaining vertebra of what moral backbone I possessed. I would prefer if fewer of my friends tried to kill me, but in lieu of that I am content with not killing them.

-her little mallet thing, in a rush of nutrient slurry, expands to the form of a jackhammer-

Sorbus: -Wood Hammer- <...hm.>

Abilene: -frown, tight- You knew nothing about me or Sorbus when you did this. Do not take this as an indictment of your judgement, please, nor your optimism—but a change of very little and we could have seriously hurt you. We could have—you know nothing about us.

-it shears through a bench's divider, then its other-

Abilene: -quiet- ...but thank you for your support.

-Abilene digs for a bottle of Apple Acid to sand down the remaining edges, forgetting her company-

Abilene: I have no illusions about my true intentions. But I am familiar with—too much power. The best of them walking one straight into hell.

Abilene: -hopefully- ...take care, won't you? There are some real monsters out there. Some harder to flee from than hiding up a tree, no matter how big it is.

-she can't really enunciate purple text...but then, she wasn't exclusively (if obliquely) referring to them-

-not even mostly-

 Chateau d'Avarice 

-the sitcom cheers that cropped up when Paula walked in redouble as she takes Ramona's hand-

Ramona: -whistles, low with awe, at the ego's signature-

-and again, as the camera (mental focus?) (narrative perspective?) falls on those familiar words-

Ramona: -scribbled…everywhere-

-there's the distinct sense of this visitor noting every reference of weird mind shit like a neighbor eyeing the silverware, but-

-you can't take knowledge-

Ramona: -laugh, intrigued- Mesprit, I couldn't imagine leaving home like that. And I've been told I've got a pretty big imagination!

-smirk- While we're comparing attics.

-scribbled Ariados creep between the layers of paint on the walls-

-they curl, semisolid, around the words there, spinning webs of association-

Ramona: ...you know what?

Ramona: For now, call me Molly.

-the colorless nothing of her irises has a faint ultraviolet tinge-

-silk threads from the hem of her shirt, vanishing into the upholstery-

Molly: -dipping into a curtsey, grinning- And I would love one.

Wyndon — The Greased G'runerigus

-greeted at the door, invited in-

Ramona: ...well, that's new.

-she squints at a red head, wondering what the fuck this lady's been through to produce an Aspect so…-

-independent-

-stable-

Ramona: -murmur- ...haven't been treated to a drink in awhile.

-...powerful-

—metaphorical or no, she puts Rose's drink on her tab, or-

-she supposes one of those drunk guys' tabs-

-same difference, in the end-

Wild Area, past

-Corvus does have the benefit of true flight, and well-trained, at that-

Galarian Zapdos: -calling down, yet further- <Councilman! You're doing it wrong! It's the early bird that gets the worm, not "the second child who catches the Stunfisk"!>

Unfortunate Onix: @n@

Galarian Zapdos: -wallrunning sideways- <But perhaps you'd rather be late! Very, very late.>

-another resounding HONK!!!—Zapdos drags their claw through the barren peak as they run-

-an imperial ton of destabilized earth shudders and slides—-

-towards, uh-

Elderly Drampa: -fording a stream, very slowly- <So excitable today, dearie…>

Kid: A bonkers big Onix just fell out of the sky! >:D

-hopping- I'm going to catch it and challenge Milo and catch a Blastoise and beat Leon…

Elderly Drampa: -unaware- <Yes, yes, starter day is lovely…>

Kid: -hopping more- Hurry!!

[Venice], July 7th

-super mega penguin drill is…-

HUD!Vee: <o-oh>

-tremendously effective!-

-the Stealth Rocks shatter mid-activation with a sound like a bowling ball landing a strike-

-the Magcargo are scattered like the adjoining lanes' bowling pins in MONARCH's wake, Vee indeed employing her extensive practice tying herself to a bird in motion to keep not!Daydre and their carry-on moving apace-

Dr. Ironspine: -garbled noise-

-and that last push covers the last stretch of distance easily, taking not!Daydre into the mess of concrete-

-the plastic-shelled Magcargo close in, flamesacs churning underwater—some hellish mix of napalm and elemental Fire-

-Empoleon pinions grown to the size of barriers hammer into the coastal shelf all around them, walling off the attack-

Suiko: -deathly serious, fighting everything- Do not.

-...nestled in the carefully filed-down edges of old work is something obviously if quietly maintained-

-a screen that picks up a glow as Ironspine begins authenticating to it, attached to something like a hermetically sealed server bank nestled in a network of pipes-

Dr. Ironspine: -sober- <...yeah. This is it.>

-her expression goes from mildly seasick to building pride in the span of a blink-

Dr. Ironspine: -chortling- <Watch and learn, nondescript person. Watch. And. Learn.>

-she sets to the keys, plugging a spine into the workings-

-...not much to do but wait, one supposes-

-...-

Pipe: -...hiss-

-...-

-...that is a lot of pipes, huh?-

-servers require a lot of cooling, Vee whispers, but surely the way the water's flowing near here is enough to account for that-

-they're not power, ether—

Pipe: -sizzle-

-so...what are they?-

 Mementos 

-three blinks at Jackal's account of...punching someone for a solid half a minute?-

-...no, that was mental-

-in any case, Suiko tilts her head-

Suiko: ...well, I know where her Shadow is. She is halfway convinced she is wrong already. And I have suspicions as to the nature of that Palace and her Treasure.

"Bug": ...would...that lead to Palace formation, then?

Suiko: I suspect the true nature of her folly eludes her, despite the best efforts of those who care. Easily she could bring more ruin than she has if not stopped. And she has had so long to proceed without stopping.

"Cloud": <...ugh. If you're talking about who I think you're talking about, fuck yeah we'd better go immediately.>

"Bug": D:<

"Cloud": <Or like. after preparing. or whatever. Damn dramatic timing and all it entails.>

Suiko: The Palace consists of a Campus and its Dorm. The location is known to this one, our Navigator.

"Bug": -waves- ^_^

Edited by Asterisk395 on Oct 12th 2021 at 12:00:55 PM

Hoops Mindscape

Hoops*: That's good. I'm glad to hear that.

They look back at the table and see a copy of them, though this one is more injured and shows the wear of the fight that has just taken place.

Hoops*: Hey, you. You'd better come out of this alright, because I'm giving up everything for you, you know?

Their body begins to fade, starting with the feet and legs becoming slightly translucent.

Hoops*: When you wake up, take those badges of yours and finish what we started. Then live whatever life you want. And if you win, you have to say that thing that you're so scared to say.

The fading effect spreads up their body and reaches the torso. Soon only their top half is visible, and that too is becoming harder to see.

Hoops*: I think you'll remember this. I don't know what it will be like for you, but just remember me, please.

As their body fades away and the are left as just a small part of their face, they turn to face Evelyn.

Hoops*: Thanks for being here, Evs. You know I -

They disappear, and their voice falls silent, carried away by an unnoticed wind. A moment later Evelyn would hear a voice.

Cof: <Evelyn, they're asleep! Get out of there quickly or you'll get trapped!>

Stormchaser, Aurelia Zone

Odin: Trying to find people. Friends of acquaintances.

Wedgehurst

Justice: Ooh, yummy.

-Goes to get some-

Silas nearly stumbled, "Oh. My apologies," he said, "Didn't see you there."

Roxy scoffed, "Really?"

"Hey I was deep in conv-" he paused, turning back to Risky, "Sorry about that. Who are you?"

Stormchaser, Odin Zone

Aurelia: Need any help?

Hoops* Mindscape

-Evelyn nods to Hoops* as she watches them fade, taking solace in knowing that she could fulfill her promise to them. Then she hears Cof calling to her and knows what she has to do.-

Evelyn: I'll always remember you.

-Evelyn then shimmers with a mystical purple light and...-

Giant's Cap, Ritual

-...the rose-colored glow from her eyes fades as she awakens in the real world. She looks around, sees Ian hopping on one leg, flapping his arms and doing his best impression of an over-excited Exploud, then looks around again in the hopes of not seeing that exact scene.-

Evelyn: -to Cof- Did it work?

Kalos Forest, August 31st

Ann: -To Olivia- Let's hurry up and get back then-

Wyndon Stadium, September 18th

Raihan: That's okay, we've got more tricks up our sleeves! Alright Flygon, dodge and use Throat Chop!

Flygon: -Flies above Kofun before lashing out with their tail roughly at their midsection-

Wild Area, past

-Seeing the rubble-

Crap!

-Throwing a Poké Ball-

Helios!

Helios: -Appears-

Use Hurricane to blow those rocks aside!

Helios: -Beats his wings at high speed-

Muddy: -Is also sent out and starts throwing pieces of rubble bigger than he is in order to make a wall for the rubble to roll into and away from the oblivious peoplemons below as Corvus and I continue our pursuit-

Mementos

-To Bug-

Okay, where is it then? Gotta actually go to the place to enter the Palace most of the time

Edited by rmctagg09 on Oct 12th 2021 at 12:34:40 PM

Wedgehurst

Some time later, an announcement is heard through the pavilion that the finals will soon be beginning. Xaster and Justice are both encouraged to make their way to the performance area, which has been outfitted with a large screen that shows both trainers along with a large yellow circle.

MC: Ladies and Gentlemen, it's now time for the final round. We'll just quickly explain the rules. The two finalists will be having a one on one pokemon battle, but unlike other battles you've seen this isn't about knocking out your opponent,

Simon Hoode snatches the microphone from the MC.

Simon Hoode: For Arceus' sake, let's just get this over with. All three judges have controls to lower the rating of a trainer. After a time period of three minutes, the trainer who still has the highest rating will win. We can lower it for any reason, but since I am an experienced professional I will be doing it based on how well each trainer is able to react to their opponent's moves while still being appealing. As one of the other judges is a child, the winner might not reflect who was actually better.

The MC wrestles the microphone away and has a few whispered words with Simon Hoode that are thankfully too far from the microphone to be heard.

MC: Well anyway, we'll introduce the finalists now.

Giant's Cap

Cof: <Yes, Miss Evelyn. You did beautifully. Hoops is now sleeping soundly within me, and will be able to recover.>

Tot: whispering <But don't tell Ian that yet. He thinks he's being helpful and watching this is very funny.>

Kec approaches Evelyn and lowers his head deferentially to her.

Kec: <Evelyn, I can't ever thank you enough for what you've done. If there's ever anything I or any member of this team can do for you, we're at your service.>

He goes to Hoops' belt and presses the release button on all of their pokéballs. One by one, all of Hoops' pokemon emerge from their pokéballs and thank Evelyn, before all bowing as one to her.

Chateau d'Avarice

-The whole neighbor-eyeing-the-silverware thing is a weird metaphor anyway. After all, the silverware seems to be looking back.-

-Paula smiles, genuinely.-

Paula: Molly. Nice. Sounds like you were implying you switch it up from time to time, though, so let me know if there's one you're more comfortable with later, 'kay?

-She leads Molly through the hallways, lined with the same sort of elaborate graffiti. But there's also family photos — at least, photos of what are probably her as a teenager, a younger brother, and an older sister. It's hard to tell, since the siblings' faces are all blurry, but at the very least they share the same copper hair tone.-

-There's no pictures of anyone who could be construed as their parents, though. Gaps on the walls where more photos would do well, though.-

-And then they make it into the dining room.-

Paula: Hey, we've got a guest! Would you be a dear and get us something to drink?

-She seems to be talking to...-

-Well, Molly wouldn't recognize her. If there were any other Phantom Thieves around, though, they'd definitely be able to tell that that's Dr. Valentina Robinson in a kitty maid outfit.-

Dr. Robinson(?): -deadpan- Whatever you say. You're the boss.

-She grumbles as she makes her way into the kitchen. Paula giggles.-

Paula: That was the tenant while I was away. Well, not really, she's just a mental reconstruction rather than the real deal. But the real deal kept the house in order until we moved back in, so we figured, why not have her around as a housekeeper?

[Venice], July 7th

MONARCH: <Ha HA!>

The person who is not Daydre isn't very prone to motion sickness, but even that gave her a little nausea. With mild relief they get off MONARCH's back and leave him on the lookout, just in case.

They give Ironspine a sympathetic pat and watch her work. ... Not that they think they'll really learn what she's doing, but it's mildly interesting to look at at least.

Eventually their attention turns to the pipes.

"So.. not for cooling, huh? What could they... What're usually in pipes? Water, but I don't think that's it... Air? Gas (the fuel kind)?"

"Dammit I wish I knew more about this stuff."

"...Sewage?"

Split Decision Ruins

Daydre jumps.

"Who are you?!"

"..."

"My name is Daydre."

Mementos

"Hm. Yeah if this is a full on Palace we might need more people than this huh?"

[Venice], July 7th

Dr. Ironspine: -laser-focused- <Hm? Whatever. Witness my victory in three—two—>

Pipes: -glub-

Dr. Ironspine: -hammering the end button immediately, because she's not an idiot- …?

-it burns her-

Dr. Ironspine [BRN]: <aaAAA—HOT!!>

-the water-distorted sound of cooling fans increases—that trick could've cost the server big-

-but bit by bit, it becomes clear where the heat's being siphoned to-

Pipes…?: -chugs, grinding...against concrete, and rebar, and itself-

-those pipes are full of steam-

Pipe…Thing: -glares-

Pipe-Thing: -snarls-

That: -roars-

Wild Area, "Test" of "Speed" - So Fast It's In The Past

Galarian Zapdos: <Tell me, Councilman!>

-'crows Zapdos, somewhere in a blaze of dust-

Galarian Zapdos: <My sibling seems to value your insight! Enlighten me, then—>

-and Zapdos is above them-

Galarian Zapdos: -smirk- <Why do you want us on your Council?>

-Monese comprehension is a funny thing-

-at first glance, and to most polymorphic humans, it would seem like any verbal language-

-learned speakers appreciate a high contextual dependence on body language—-

-a blow of this magnitude communicates thus:-

Thunder Itself: <The gods of this land are fickle things! Unruly, untamed, and prone to violence—>

(-Zapdos ricochets from Corvus to strike down at Helios-)

Crackling From On High: <The Council meets—the Council waits—the Council decides the world's one fate—>

Galarian Zapdos: -honking- <Please. Domesticated divinity, every one.>

-Zapdos claws at Helios's wings-

Galarian Zapdos: -through violence, as is natural- <A little birdie told me the Council resurrected a human for services rendered! A little birdie told me the Council battled a Virus and lost.>

-kicking off upside-down, picking at their beak- <Wasn't interesting enough to keep me from eating him. Torchic returns to Egg, and I was still peckish.>

-that bizarre grin, once again- <You may tell: the only sign of favor I grant is harrying you all the way home, and then eating your keys. I would set foot in your Hall of Origin to spit on the floor and laugh.>

-emitting a truly horrifying ululation- <Like THIS!>

-Trainers across the Wild Area duck their heads at the sound, sheltering head under arms and cowering-

-the braver of them peer up to see a bird, roughly the size of a Dragon, craning its neck and pinwheeling its legs to skitter across the sky-

Galarian Zapdos: -crow- <And I will spit on your floors, too!>

-Zapdos kicks the very air to soar away, cackling all the while-

Galarian Zapdos: <And you seek my counsel! Did they tell you why, little bureaucrat, or did you run off at the first word like a Zigzagoon chasing its own shadow?>

-honking hollowly, staring through Tagg himself- <For thousands of years have I run without equal. I will tread these streets 'til they pave with bones and that damn horse kicks my brains out themself.>

<Tell me why. Convince me to run with you.>

-they're, uh-

Galarian Zapdos: -squawk-

-pretty freaking far away, despite just being right in their faces and moving their wings like once-

Galarian Zapdos: -calling back- <Talk fast! You have until I get bored!>

 Metaverse 

Suiko: -sigh- She won't say. / "Cloud": -dour- <She won't say.>

"Bug": -lifting a little cloud orb like a "shush" gesture- It's a secret. 🤫

-"Cloud" nudges "Bug", and "Bug" just flips upside down-

"Cloud": I'll send it in the groupchat! It might be dangerous to get there depending on who you are…

-she stops rotating, listening to something-

"Cloud": ...but I think you'll be fine. Think of it as the initiation process. o3o

Suiko: -oddly- They're the experienced ones—

"Cloud": It'll be fun! ^_^

"Bug": <This is stupid—>

"Cloud": It'll be fun. >:c

-she shrugs her puffy little lack of shoulders, grinning- ...and strategically advantageous. Gotta get the word out! But don't want her to know we're coming until I send the, uh…

<"Calling Card".>

"Cloud": ...and loose lips sink ships! ^_^

 Chateau d'Avarice 

-Molly locks eyes with the silverware and grins-

-...given that there is no silverware even in the literal-metaphorical context of the Mindscape, this mostly means she looks at Paula-

Molly: Oh, for sure, for sure.

-Paula's genuine smile calms the fuck out of her and sets her at ease-

-because Paula is really pretty-

-and they're up and walking, and taking in a history-

Molly: -inspecting the parentless images- ...hm.

-...inspecting for eye color, mostly-

-but oops, there's an unfamiliar face!-

-unfamiliar faces aren't unheard of, but this definitely is!-

Molly: …previous tenant.

-the spiders squirm beneath the paint, searching for power lines-

Molly: -a bead of sweat trickling down her neck (but in the physical world, where no one can tell), smirk- She seems useful. More of a bug person, myself.

-they creep into the high-pitch of the empty-room sound, looking for a WA Vlength-

-a thought seems to occur to Molly, her mouth falling agape with consternated wonder-

Molly: -wearing an antenna headband, appropriately- ...not only did you leave and return, you took your old house back from someone who took it over.

-polite little golf claps- Incredible. Pokestar should make a "based on true events" movie about you.

-and because they're antenna, they pick up the vibrations bouncing back from the edges of this place-

-you know, like buggies do-

Stormchaser, Training Room

Ever: Hah. Yeah. Working on a therapist's license. Huge pain in the ass but I figure I should have some kind of skill once people get bored with me as a professional trainer.

Percy: Your life sounds horrifying. (to Lissa) I hope not. As a fellow undead, it'd be awfully awkward.

Ever: Hahaha. (to Lissa) ...Not really. We're sort of a free-range couple. What brings this up?

Stormchaser, Medbay

PEFE!Every: Oh, he healed himself most of the way. And helped you a bit too— I don't get the impression he was happy to do it but it's done, which is convenient.

-she smiles-

Why shouldn't I tell you things? We're friends now and also you're not leaving, I'm pretty sure.

Wyndon Outskirts

Apple-A-Day: Well, I'm definitely not going to kill you. And I think if your friends are trying to you should get better friends. My mom used to say that. And my dad. And pretty much everyone, because, you know, it's good advice. Nobody should be trying to kill you.

-pointed faceless stare-

...Anyway, I don't think you'd have hurt me. I'm not that defenseless. Syrnewt, distract those guys. Loha, Metal Burst.

-while Syrnewt goes to bother some people observing, Apple-A-Day sends out a Duraludon-

Loha: <...>

Apple-A-Day: Come on, don't be shy.

Loha: <...>

-she scrapes away the divides, the steel molding around her claws and leaving behind a flat bench-

Apple-A-Day: I'm a Dragon trainer, and that means I have a little more pride than is probably good for me. I've met some of the real monsters. And I think it's only made me more intent on doing this. I don't know if I know what I'm doing but I'm pretty sure it's important.

Wild Area, Last Saturday

Corvus: -Turns around so that he's the one taking the brunt of the the Thunderous Kick and not the relatively fragile human riding him- <Oof!>

-As Corvus attempts to get his bearings-

I think I'd almost prefer battling Spectrier again...

Muddy: -Headfins twitch in irritation at Zapdos' ululations- <Sure does love the sound of their own voice this one...>

Helios: -Is nearly knocked out of the air despite his type resistance... but leaves a bit of a present of his own-

I'm not on the Council, I merely act in its stead.

-To Zapdos, as Helios whips up a Tailwind-

Lightning Runner! Storm Hunter! Humans and Pokémon work better together than apart, and you joining helps with that! Don't you want a voice in the world to come?

Mementos

-Crosses arms-

Well we wouldn't want to do that until we've secured the path to the Treasure anyway.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Oct 12th 2021 at 11:35:07 AM

Stormchaser, Training Room

-Lissa chuckles at Percy's comment.-

Lissa: Guess that explains the skull thing, huh? I think you and the boss would get along, honestly. You've both got that sorta... what's the word for it? Intensity, I guess? But when you get down to the bones of it, you're both great big softies.

-She tilts her head at Ever.-

Lissa: ...Oh. Huh. I have exactly zero experience in the field, so I can't really comment, but... shouldn't it be getting therapy before giving therapy? I mean, personally, that's a job I could never do. I'm way too fucked up for that.

-She rubs the back of her neck.-

Lissa: Anyway, it's, uh... it's nothing, really. Sent him a message a while ago, got nothing back. Tried to find him here, same deal. I just wanted to check in, but he's probably busy with his own stuff. Forget I asked.

The Defiant Wing exited jumpspace and entered the war torn sector, solar systems ablaze in war. Federation and Rebel ships in intense battle, a single outpost left. Silas at the helm, "We're here everyone, it's been a long road, but we're nearly done!"

Roxy whistled, "That was some actual emotion. You okay?"

Silas grinned a bit, "It's the excitement, tends to make me break my unemotive nature a bit."

Hacks rolled his eyes, ~Well, here we are. Everyone ready?~

There was a brief crackle of static and then Bishop saying, "Captain, we're being hailed."

<Attention unknown ship, state your purpose here!> came a rather... unique voice, Bishop cleared the signal and on one of the screens appeared a Space Umbreon in a general outfit.

General Decares had made her appearance.

The Pen appeared beside Gale, in the visibility of the Guards, a grin on its face as it snapped its fingers. The Guards barely had time to react before they were struck with a paralyzing effect, collapsing to the ground. The Pen smirked, If you feel a little dizzy, sorry about that friendo, just needed to pull a bit more than usual for that trick. Your reserves are getting better.

It opened the door and did a little bow, Ladies first, let's grab some incriminating evidence.

Dr. White smiled, he snapped his fingers and the dealer flipped the chip. Random chance determined 50/50, it could be anything, were chance to remain random. This is where a good cheater in one's back pocket made all the difference.

Bishop observed from the computer systems in the Ransom, if he had knuckles, he'd crack them right about now. Making a plastic and metal chip land on a specific side, if you knew how, child's play. It was all about tweaking environmental factors, they were near an AC unit, a bit of a heavy breeze.

The right amount of effort, and suddenly...

the dealer caught the chip, placed it on his hand, looking over it, "Heads."

Dr. White shrugged, "ah well, lucky streaks," he smiled, "Well my dear, what do you want to know?

"Right, let's get some scouting done first," Jackal responded.

Ah yes, the fun part, casing the place, well Coyote you have a lot of fun ahead of you.

Jackal let out a rather audible sigh, catching himself and adjusting himself.

Chateau d'Avarice

-As Molly leans in closer to inspect, the images unblur just enough to make out eye color.-

-Paula's eyes are brown. Her older sister's eyes are also brown. Her younger brother's eyes? Likewise brown.-

-They're not all portraits. Some seem to be photos from birthday parties, fancy events, the oldest's high school graduation. All signs of a regular, fully-parented family, but with no acknowledgment of said parents.-

Paula: Psh. Pokestar's a sham. I do get a kick out of From Space With Love still, though.

-And there's barely a trace of WAVlength anywhere. Maybe, like, several generations buried, but nothing that could possibly facilitate mental manipulation.-

-It seems she's simply... complicated. Deeply, frighteningly complicated.-

-Kitty Maid Robinson returns with a tea set, placing and filling teacups for the two of them.-

Kitty Maid Robinson: -gruffly- Is that all?

Paula: Perfect. Thank you~

-Kitty Maid Robinson takes the opportunity to leave and be literally anywhere else. Paula pulls out a chair, gesturing to Molly in a "take a seat" way.-

(-The signal from one spider, somewhere, seems to cut out. Just one, inconsequential on its own.-)

Stormchaser Training Room

Percy: Wh— I am not a softie. Take it back.

-Ever, meanwhile, barks out a laugh-

Ever: Please. My head's screwed on so tight it squeaks when I walk. Would you have told Dr. Freud to get therapy?

Percy: Yeah, probably. From everything I've read the man really could have used it.

Ever: Bad example, maybe? One sec.

Percy: (to Lissa) I guess I wouldn't mind meeting your boss sometime though?

Stormchaser, Training Room

-Lissa sticks her tongue out a little at Percy.-

Lissa: Shan't. But yeah, the boss is aboard, so I could probably call her over if you're interested. Though now I'm wondering where your fruit-flavoured friend is. Didn't you say they'd be here soon? I'm keen to catch up, see how they hold up under some aggressive flirting.

-She looks back at Ever.-

Lissa: ...I mean, the fact that you're looking to practice it tells me you don't think there's any shame in it. Honestly I dunno how someone could not need it after having their agency taken away from them. Hence why I could probably do with it myself, but... eh, do as I say and not as I do and all that.

-There is no response to Ever's text.-

[Venice], King's Ransom - July 7th

-Rosalinde smiles, mouthing a silent thanks to her own "luck".-

Rosalinde: You mentioned that there is a place where women of science such as myself can procure... resources, as it were, for their experiments. I would like an introduction. Surely that shouldn't be hard for an esteemed doctor such as yourself to procure?

Edited by Herbert40k on Oct 13th 2021 at 5:00:15 PM

Stormchasaer, Silas Zone

Risky: "I'm Risky. You?"

-a Galarian Weezing pops out of one of her Pokeballs-

Galarian Weezing: <HELLO THERE>

Risky: "This is Doug."

Stormchaser, Aurelia Zone

Odin: "...Wellll I did just find one lead."

-points to a particular bit of the conspiracy board-

"...for one Mog."

Wyndon Stadium

-Kofun makes a choking noise as they're hit by the Throat Chop-

Neon: "Flygon can learn that? Quick, Psychic!"

-More brainwaves-

Split Decision Ruins

Regidraco: <Oooooh, hi, Daydre, nice to meet you! Are you a dragon? I'm a dragon and it's great! Ooh, what's that you got there?>

Wedgehurst

-Justice steps onto the field and gulps-

Justice: "...Ready when you are."

-Sends out an Arctozolt-

Kalos Forest

Olivia: <Then let's hurry!>

-dashes off back to the grove-

-where Old Grandsappy's face has been torn off, confetti being strewn all around it-

Olivia: <Oh dear...>

Trevenant 1: <I can't look...>

Trevenant 2: Poor thing... He's like a shell of himself... Hollowed out like some wood shop project gone wrong...>

Trevenant 3: <I can't believe those horrible things ganged up on ol' Grandsappy and did this to him... They deserve to be CHIPPED!>

Olivia: <Uh, Grandsappy? Can you hear us?>

-shakes her head-

<This doesn't look good. He was downright creaky... Now he's downright hollowed out!>

<...OH! I've got an idea. Look at Ol' Grandsappy's face! And the confetti! Doesn't it look like the hole from earlier? Maybe if we all scoop enough confetti on, we can fix him...>

Stormchaser, Training Room

Percy: That'd be fun to watch. But you make a good point.

-she sends some texts of her own-

Percy: ...We're on our own for now.

Ever: (to Lissa) It's not a shame thing. But therapy is kind of redundant with the Pokemon I've got, you know? So...you know, it's all good up here.

-wow, are they not a good liar-

Anyway, uh, I am becoming concerned.

-they put their phone away, frowning-

Ever: ...Maybe he's busy? If he hasn't responded by the end of the day I'm going to start doing something about it.

Kalos Forest

"I think I got this," Kendall offered, pointing at a couple places and causing some of the scraps to drop through the shadow cast by the canopy into the tree.

Kamui, meanwhile, drew her Rustic Ball, looking at the floating stone tablet Katsuragi called his new form, the draconic pattern’s eye meeting her.

Kamui shrugged, having figured he would be able to provide some form of insight or further assistance.

Stormchaser, Training Room

-Lissa mimes pouting at Percy. It makes for an odd combination with the lack of inflection in her voice.-

Lissa: Aww, shame. Maybe I'll go looking for them later. All jokes aside, I really did take a liking to them. It's hard not to when someone's just that earnest. I'm guessing that's why the two of you became friends, huh?

-She turns back to Ever, raising an eyebrow doubtfully.-

Lissa: Uh-huh. Sure.

-Thankfully, she doesn't press the subject.-

Lissa: He's probably busy, yeah. He does this plenty often, just stops answering messages for days or weeks at a time. It's not even like we're in regular contact or anything, I just thought I'd stop by whilst I was here, see how an old friend was doing. Like I said, though, just forget it. It's not a big deal or anything.

-Once again, there is no response to Ever's message.-

Stormchaser, Training Room

Ever: Hm.

-they don't sound so convinced either-

Percy: Yeah...pretty much.

-crackle-

That seems to be a common reaction to them, at least, so it's really no threat to my stoic aesthetic.

Ever: You're the least stoic person I've ever met.

Percy: Who asked?