ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

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-The girl beneath the helmet snarls, darting to the side in order to dodge the thrown chair and clenching a gauntleted fist in order to reduce it to splinters. In that moment, while her mind is elsewhere, there's a chance to pick up on her thoughts: insecurity. Uncertainty. Determination. And anger.-

Bela: ~Don't try to test me. You'll fail.~

-She lunges forward with another slash of her gauntlets, this time letting out a psychic scream in an attempt to disorient Niobium.-

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-Niobium is indeed disoriented and caught in a moment of hesitation.-

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-Within the span of a couple of seconds, Bela has tackled Niobium to the ground, resting one of those crackling blades of purple energy against his throat.-

Bela: ~Surrender. Concede defeat. I don't want to have to kill you.~

-If Bela's thoughts are being broadcast to the Counselor, he gives no sign of it. He just continues smiling beatifically, as if watching a mildly amusing play.-

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-Nio gives a small chuckle.-

Niobium: ~Yes, I'd very much prefer remaining alive. I'm outmatched. Congrats.~

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-Bela nods and steps back, the blades protruding from her gauntlets vanishing with a sharp crack. The Counselor claps his hands together again and gives a small chuckle.-

The Counselor: Well, that was quicker than I expected! Every time I think I've set reasonable expectations for you, Beryllium, you manage to surpass them. I really do know how to pick them, don't I?

Bela: ~...Thank you, sir.~

-The Counselor turns his gaze to Niobium.-

The Counselor: Of course, you shouldn't think of this as any sort of stain on your record. I sprang Bela on you out of nowhere, after all. Even our finest student would be caught off-guard in that scenario, and I would argue that Bela is our finest student!

-He allows himself another laugh at his own joke. Bela's expression is inscrutable behind her helmet, but her hands remain clenched into fists.-

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Niobium: Nice to meet you too.

-He hops back to his feet and straightens out his outfit.-

Evidently, I'll need much more training if I'm to try to fight a physical and mental battle at the same time.

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-Even though Bela's face is completely concealed by her helmet, the disdain radiating from her is all too obvious.-

Bela: ~Don't say things like that. And don't talk. It shows weakness. You're not going to last long if you keep acting like this. That's what I keep telling Neo.~

-The Counselor, seemingly oblivious to this telepathic exchange, only smiles more widely.-

The Counselor: Anyway! I did want a chance to sit down and talk with you, Nio, but I also wanted to see how you fared with Bela beforehand. Now that I have, though, would you rather I send her out, or would you be amenable to her sitting in with us?

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Niobium: ~I'll keep that in mind. But please do consider that we're different people.~

-He looks to the Counselor.-

Once again, I've no real preference. Whichever option is more productive. I simply aim to assist however I can.

-He says this with a bit of a flair, but any attempt at drama likely falls short given his repeated distracted glances at the broken chair.-

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Bela: ~That we are. But there's only going to be one of us in the end. You know that, right? That's how it's been with every class before us. And when all's said and done, it's going to be me who's left.~

-The Counselor just chuckles.-

The Counselor: She'll stay with us, then.

-He looks over at the shattered chair.-

The Counselor: ...You don't mind standing, do you, Bela?

-Bela just shakes her head, and takes up a position next to the desk, stood ramrod-straight with her arms folded behind her back. The Counselor, meanwhile, remains focused on Niobium.-

The Counselor: So, Nio, how are you feeling today? Anything you'd like to talk about, any requests you'd like to make?

Edited by Herbert40k on Nov 20th 2021 at 11:06:02 AM

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Niobium: ~I'm content with that.~

I'm feeling fine. There's... not a whole lot to say in that regard.

-He looks down.-

And, well, don't consider this as much a formal request as a personal desire, but if it's not too presumptuous to ask, I'd like a new assignment at the soonest opportunity. Regularity in real-world operations is essential for my continued growth.

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-Bela remains silent, both mentally and verbally. The Counselor nods, pulling a sheaf of papers out from one of his desk drawers which he makes a show of shuffling through.-

The Counselor: I'm inclined to agree. I find our students tend to thrive when give a chance to enrich themselves with extracurricular activities. What's the saying? The planet is the cradle of the mind, but one cannot live forever in a cradle? Well, that's very much how I happen to feel about our facilities. We can't expect you to be your best selves if we keep you cooped up in here. Again, another one of my personal gripes with the idea of isolating you from your classmates.

-He sighs, then produces two separate papers which he lays out in front of him.-

The Counselor: Regardless. There is a... personal project I wish to pursue, but it happens to be both somewhat challenging and near the bottom of our agenda. Far more important is our response to that little train debacle a few months back. The fact that it was such a conspicuous waste of resources...

-He shakes his head, then chuckles.-

The Counselor: ...I apologise. You're meant to be venting to me, not the other way around. The point is, we need any record of the event erased. And that starts with the train company executives. We can't have the good reputation for safety and efficiency that the region's rail lines maintain being slandered, can we?

Edited by Herbert40k on Nov 20th 2021 at 11:46:30 AM

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Niobium: I'll admit you've piqued my curiosity regarding this other personal project, but I'll refrain from delving deeper. I'm happy to assist with cleanup. Simple enough. Might any of these documents have details on the people involved?

...And are there any potential complications I should be aware of?

Wyndon Stadium

-Gale silently nods before her mic clicks back on again-

Well, I shall wander where the shadows take me. Though I doubt anywhere has such an adoring League as here in Galar!

-There's this expectation of a pop from the crowd-

But regardless, speaking of the shadows. Angie!

-The Banette flings herself out of a shadow towards Cam-

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-The Counselor smiles.-

The Counselor: Who knows? If you acquit yourself well enough on this particular assignment, we could always circle back to that personal project.

-He slides one of the papers towards Nio.-

The Counselor: In any case, this file should contain everything you need to know regarding your target. Brunel Dinair, 62, hedge fund manager and investor in a number of transport projects such as Galar's Corviknight taxis and... the rail line in question. Our contacts in government and business have already spoken to him to ensure that he never speaks of the matter, but the very fact that those memories remain in his mind poses an existential threat. I'm sure I don't have to elaborate further.

-He steeples his fingers.-

The Counselor: Dinair is an intensely paranoid and private man. By all accounts he's not been seen in public for some years. However, we have it on good authority that he's currently staying in one of the executive suites at the Hotel Ionia, along with an extensive security detail. Considering your capabilities, though, that shouldn't be an issue.

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-Nio nods.-

Niobium: No trouble at all.

-He stands up straight and gives a small bow.-

Thank you for the opportunity.

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The Counselor: You're very welcome, Nio. It's been a pleasure, as always.

-There's that beatific smile again, that utterly fails to reach his eyes. Bela's eyeless gaze remains fixed on Niobium.-

The Counselor: Is there anything else you'd like to talk about, or will that be all?

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Niobium: Unless you have anything to add, I believe that covers everything.

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The Counselor: Excellent! Then I believe we're resolved. Were it that every student I see in here could be so agreeable.

-He chuckles.-

The Counselor: In any case, I'll see to it that your schedule is cleared for the evening, and give you access to an extra hour's worth of recreational videos on your personal device. Wouldn't want you to think these sessions are just a chore, would we?

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-Nio beams.-

Niobium: Thank you very much. I promise I won't let you down.

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-The Counselor grins.-

The Counselor: My boy, everything I have seen of you has led me to expect nothing but success! Get out there and make me proud!

-He hustles Niobium out of the door, slapping him on the back, before looking back at Bela.-

The Counselor: What did you make of him, Bela?

-Bela remains still and silent. The Counselor just chuckles.-

The Counselor: Come on now, we're alone here. You can be honest.

Bela: ~...He's like Neo. Too passive. He's accepted his role and the idea that he's never going to be anything more than that. I hate that more than anything.~

The Counselor: Yet you're quite fond of Neo?

Bela: ~...I hate her most of all. She's pathetic. She doesn't even have the strength to stand up for herself, to make the case that she should survive where all others have died. She's a ridiculous little absurdity.~

The Counselor: Hrm. You say that, but words are one thing, and actions are quite another.

-He looks back at the door.-

The Counselor: We'll see how he fares.

Morata Mansion

Avery: Down works.

-holding Facade in her arms, she heads inside, presumably with Kappa and Vee-

Did you know that Zorua illusions can fool cameras? It's not a mental thing. You'd think it would be, but it's actually the saturation of air with obscura, causing fragile shells that, well, mostly they absorb light, but the frequency can be tuned. It's actually sort of hard to make white light with Illusion, it's usually like a little bit off-white, but totally white things don't exist much in nature either, so it's really— um, I'm rambling, aren't I? I think we'll be okay is my point.

This is why I'm your best friend.

Avery: Ssh!

Wyndon Stands

Ever: Whew.

PEFE!Every: So you weren't sure how that was going to go.

Ever: Of course I was. Pay attention to how it ends, now.

The Slice of Life, past

Apple-A-Day: Yeah. It was a really nice time.

-they don't smile, because their mask doesn't have a face-

-but they pat Lissa's shoulder as they go-

Hammerlocke, Bugmeat

-Apex looks at Logan for a moment, briefly shifting their attention away from Cait and Lissa as they run and shield themselves.-

XD:APEX: "Who sent— Who sent—" "Who let that thing in here?!"

-They start to charge up another shot, before a spiral of flame erupts around them, and they screech.-

XD:APEX: "<flames of justice! flames of justice! flames of justice!> Focus.

-They redirect their attention to Adal, taking aim.-

XD:APEX: <Focus— DIE.>

-They take the shot.-

Hammerlocke Halloween Hall

Kai: Yeah! Yeah. Fuckin' Mayura.

-She stares blankly at Lucius at his latter comment, before snatching the shot of vodka out of his hand.-

Kai: More about the free drinks. Less about the legs. Definitely the drinks.

-She downs the shot.-

Kai: ...Holly said I should socialize again. Been cooped up too long. Been... dealing with stuff.

-She laughs-

Kai: Dunno if this was the right way to do it, but fuck it, right?

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Nov 21st 2021 at 9:38:35 AM

Halloween Party

"I mean, we both came out of it alive so we can afford some pride," Kamui comforted. "But... still a bitter experience."

Art House, Past

Kamui's knuckles turned white as she looked at the officer, teeth gritting before she eventually sighed.

"Keep us posted. Keep me posted," she demanded before she returned herself to Kendall's pocket, the trainer barely catching the choker after it bounced off his face.

Finally processing that minimal damage had been incurred soothing the savage beast, he asked no further questions and darted out of the gallery.

"What the fuck where the fuck who the fuck why the fuck..."

Wyndon Stadium, September 16th

Cam: -Is inevitably slammed into by Phantom Force, losing a bit more than a third of his health, but takes the opportunity to try firing a Dark Pulse while Angela's still close by-

A Subantarctic Island, today

-Shaking off the wooziness of a dive-

Well that was definitely something, a unique transportation method you have there Nicky.

-Sitting down on a rock as I center myself-

Just give me one sec.

Nicky: -Also sitting down- Here I thought the J-Team Leader would be more used to stuff like this.

Ultra Wormholes by comparison have a lot less to look at and perceive with the Sight.

Kendra: -Looking ahead- So this is where we can get that hunk of Deep Alloy worked on Tagg?

-Focusing on the reliefs in particular-

I'd assume this is Alakagross, but I've never seen a ruin like this before.

-To Kendra-

Correct, this island and the surrounding area was once a shipyard for their airships, but the legendaries and time have reduced most of it to nothing save for the main facility within the island.

Kendra: -Taking notes-

Chiyo: -Thinking- An organization of Psychic-type Pokémon who basically dominated the world, versus an organization trying to create the ultimate Psychic...

-To Chiyo-

I've theorized that they might be why humans even have Auric potential in the first place, or at least why the really strong human Aurics exist. They've made humans with Auric abilities before, why not make more?

Chiyo: -Hand to chin- It's a thought at least, it wouldn't surprise me one bit, especially if the School decided to take notes when it came to creating us.

-Shivering as I stand up, Piplup playing in the surf behind us-

It's late spring in this hemisphere but it's still kinda nippy, let's get inside.

-And so everyone starts walking through the gate-

Hammerlocke, The Slice is Right - October 27

-Lissa, on the other hand, does have a face - and in contrast to her inflexible, monotonous voice, her smile is very warm and genuine as she looks back at Apple-A-Day before she goes.-

Hammerlocke, Streets - October 31

-Lissa's eyes widen as she looks back whilst sprinting to see XD:APEX targeting Adal.-

Lissa: What are they- hey, bug-for-brains! I'm the one you should be shooting at, right? Melissa Blaise, that's me, bugmeat enemy number one!

Hammerlocke, Banquet Hall - Halloween Party

-Lucius makes a series of indignant stuttering noises as Kai steals his shot.-

Lucius: Hey! That was- eh, I suppose I can't complain. You're got a point. Fuck it, life's too short! I dunno if this is the right way to go about things either, but that sure as hell isn't going to stop me.

-Undeterred, he grabs another from the bar.-

Lucius: After all, it's either getting drunk or plotting a murder, and I'm pretty sure the first is more socially acceptable by a slim margin.

Edited by Herbert40k on Nov 21st 2021 at 3:55:06 PM