Wyndon Stadium, Locker

Pollen: <........>

Ever: Uh.

Yeah, kinda? We met at a work function and we've really been hitting it off.

Wyndon Stadium, field

Stranger: Hey. I hope you're a bigger challenge than the last finalist, haha.

Really, am I the only person noticing that they just have a bunch of Pidgey?

-she takes out a Premier Ball-

-and sends out a Breloom-

Lockers

Ever: ...Huh.

Stands

PEFE!Every: Oh! Hiro! Go Hiro!

Field

Stranger: Hyphatus. I hope you're ready.

Hyphatus: <I hope you have something more interesting for me than a flock of birds.>

Stranger: ~You'll like this. Trust me.~

Hyphatus: <I don't especially.>

-but she squares up-

Hiro: -only idle- ...hm. Very concealing, though these stadiums are a bit much, and purple—incredibly obvious, though they tend to be.

-today, as most days, he's evaluated the receptionist, his sparse crowd of fans, his sparser set of haters, Dunsparce, Logan, and—pretty much everyone from waking to here, more or less, in much the same manner, verging on autopilot-

That Breloom holds...herself, yes, with incredible discipline—with more than the School ever trains their Pokémon.

-the Ball Person, as usual, pings by far the most danger signals of the lot-

If Pidgey weren't a threat at this stage, with that typing, take heed.

-he's tired-

She is strange to me.

-...Hiro remembers Mason, and sets a thought to the side-

Hiro: Fritte.

-Hiro sends out his Rapidash-

Fritte: -nicker- <We in for a fight?>

Hiro: Self-evident.

Fritte: -whinny- <Check your work.>

Hiro: -calling out- ...doesn't seem like your Pokémon likes you very much, stranger!

Stranger: Got me this far.

-something itches…-

-he sets a hand on Fritte's flank, waving the other (with a small smile) at Pef-

PEFE!Every: :O

Hiro: -shaking his head- I can't say for sure where I stand next to those Pidgey. It's been said that at the League, they must be able to spit in the eye of myth itself.

-he doesn't set thoughts to the side-

Hiro: -quizzical- ...so in lieu of any solid declarations, I only hope you find us interesting.

-he pats-

-the flames on Fritte's hooves flare down-

Fritte used Bounce!

And thanks to Every for the pasta! ^_^

Edited by Asterisk395 on Feb 6th 2022 at 7:42:04 AM

No mind to think. No will to break.

thankster for spaghetti!

Wyndon Stadium, locker

-Ever has pulled out a notebook, and is taking information down-

Ever: There's…okay, wasn't expecting a Fighting-type…

Field

Stranger: Rest assured, I hope so too!

-she smiles-

Stranger: Hyphatus—

Hyphatus: <Don't presume.>

Stranger: I don't need to presume anything. We have a deal.

Hyphatus: <...For the time being.>

Stranger: How'd it go…

Demon Flips the Cart: Rising Heat!

-It's a very simple matter, really-

-Breloom are fungal life, and can exert a limited influence over their own internal chemistry-

-this Breloom specifically has honed that ability to its absolute limit-

-trophic flames ignite, spurring action faster than nerves-

-as smoke starts to rise-

Hyphatus gained the benefits of Life Orb!

Hyphatus: <...Hm. It'll suffice for now.>

-there are no veins on a Breloom, but a tracery of fire is visible under her outermost layers-

-she leaps skyward-

Hyphatus used Sky Uppercut!

Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.

Hammerlocke Stadium

(The Rock Blast hits Jagger dead in the mouth, knocking him backwards. He shakes it off, scoffing.)

Jagger:    <Alright, yeesh! I'll stop with the licking!>    (then, with a smirk)    <But I'm no fool.>   

(He promptly crosses his arms in front of himself and a dark barrier appears.)

Wyndon Stadium (vs. Hoops)

Kim: Geddy! Use Sparkling Aria again!

Geddy: <Right!>

(He promptly releases another Sparkling Aria at Gon.)

Turffield Stands

(Ingrid and Ananpi keep laughing at the Wooloo's antics.)

The Stormchaser, Halloween

Freddie: <A-Absolutely...>

Elton: <You wan'ed a berry? 'Ere ya go, then!>

(He hands an Oran Berry to Angela.)

Devon Corp Booth, Spark Battle

(Stipax gets thrown backwards a bit, and shakes off the beam of light.)

Stipax: <Hey~! I'm not a pest!> (beat, then) <Oooh~! How'd you change your type like that?>

(He lunges on the Porygon again.)

Stipax: <Also, you do realize that Bug beats Psychic, right?>

(He giggles.)

THE HASSLEMON INTERWEBS

classicalComprehension joined the chat.

CC: i_have_returned_period

AG: ψψ ψoψ~ you ψere gre@t letin@ ψψ

AC: Indeed~!

CA: @> Who'll go up against the last Pokemon? <3

GA: ==It's a Magneton, right==

CC: i_would_assume_so_period

GA: ==Well then==

GA: ==There's only one mon that could be used, isn't there==

AC: I believe $o!

Mauville Gym

(By this point, both Axis and Wattson have returned their Pokemon.)

Wattson: "Well~! I must say, you've done an excellent job so far! You've brought me down to my last Pokemon... hopefully this will be enough!"

(He takes out a PokeBall and throws it out.)

Wattson: "Go, Magneton!"

(The ball opens, and a Magneton emerges from it. Axis grins.)

Axis: "Well, then." (They take out another PokeBall.) "Time to send him out again~! AXOLLO! RELEASE!"

(He throws the ball, and the newly-evolved Axollo emerges.)

Axollo: <Yaaaay~! Now there's three of them~!>

(The Magneton's eyes roll.)

Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅

spaghet

Wyndon Stadium, Hiro vs.

-the meaty smack of mushroom punching horse echoes through the arena-

Fritte: -pained whinny-

-it almost drowns out the sound of Hiro's eyes snapping open-

-long, long months learning the feel of narrative threads constricting around his wrists rush back to him-

Hiro: You.

-too bad there isn't a damn thing he can do about it-

Hiro: ...or. No.

-he flicks a suspicious stare into the crowd, wondering who she's framing this time-

Fritte: -shrills, hurled end over end-

-gaze flashing back, Hiro raises his fingers to the sky-

-   snaps   -

-a spark flickers from his fingers, and Fritte ignites-

Fritte: -grimace, righting himself-    <You're making me nervous.>   

-no duplicity here—only the certain grace of a horse in motion-

-absolute-

-mesmerizing-

True Power: Prey Hypnosis!

-rendered in such intricate detail it's nearly impossible to look away-

-that this motion is a high-definition fireball suspending itself midair on kicking rocket hooves barely registers-

Hiro: -staring- Lock it down. Lock this down. No loose ends, today.

Wyndon Stadium, Locker Doom

Megan: -blithe- Oh, work function. Would this be at the ™ stand…? That sure doesn't look like a preloaded technique. Ooh.

Ever: Uh, sure.

-Megan's eyeing the Pokémon battle intently, picking apart the applied skills-

Pollen: <I. I still can't see through screens, please don't tell me—>

Megan: Hiro's fighting some lady in a purple hoodie. She's got a Breloom, and Hiro's sent out Fritte, flanks steaming, the line of his back arching and bowing as he gallops overhead. His mane leaves traceries of light through the combusting air he passes…

Ever: Can you be like, a little gayer?

Edited by Asterisk395 on Feb 6th 2022 at 12:18:49 PM

No mind to think. No will to break.

farfalle

Wyndon Stadium, Locker Room

Megan: -sniff- Maybe this is who I am now. Maybe I'm straight for horses.

Ever: Maybe I'll start doing murder again.

Pollen: <...ugh, he's using the thing, isn't he? Please, stop…saying things. Dear Trainer.>

-Megan rubs Pollen's head, looking up the current bracket on her phone-

Megan: -smile, curious- Wow, he got to serious mode fast, though. This Aghamora Mc Miotail must really be something, huh?

-keeping their prior conversation in her thoughts, she settles up against Ever's shoulder—a warm presence-

Ever: Something, yeah.

-they wobble, and shift a bit, using their back as a headrest instead of their shoulder. Bit more stable-

She's got…I mean, she's not on a wavelength with her team, exactly. But that Breloom is tough.

I think she'll lose, though. Hiro's good at building up the proverbial head of steam and he's not going to get thrown off.

Field

Hyphatus: <I'm pleasantly surprised. When you said this would be an interesting fight, I assumed you were lying right to my face.>

<...Or face-substitute. Face-ade.>

-the scent around her changes-

-veins burning and shifting, reconfiguring-

-smoke hissing and rising, with a sharp tang to it-

Hyphatus fell asleep!

Hyphatus's Demon Flips the Cart kept her in motion!

-another swift jab, nigh-invisible and marked out by the rapid growth of mushrooms along a circuitous path-

Hyphatus used Drain Punch!

-the burning aura around Fritte propels him back with the surprise hit, a plume of fire in his wake-

Fritte:

-he is, being honest, not entirely sure what is happening-

-he jets higher, searching for vantage—

-he takes the plunge-

Hiro: -loud- ...I reiterate:    My name is Hiro Alíthea. I don't believe I got yours.   

(-the weight in that voice drives silence through the watching crowd-)

-concealing an opening no self-respecting mindless trance would miss, Fritte's Flare Blitz plummets to earth-

Fritte's stance invited recoil!

True Strike!

Edited by memyselfandI2 on Feb 6th 2022 at 9:40:26 AM

Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.

oddly even though I didn't know what that was called that pasta specifically was the one I tried looking up to reference next

I mean rigatoni

Wyndon Stadium, Locker Room

-she's pretty dense-

-Megan slides down too far, face to Ever's spine-

Megan: Hweh.

-before righting herself to the intended position-

-...she stares at the blue drifting in front of her eyes, deciding on another tack-

Megan: -eyeing the challenger's coincidental purpleness, somewhere approaching carefree- ...heh, it's funny. Still scares the frick out of me, but I can actually think about it now, kinda. Ow.

-"you're welcome", Pollen doesn't say, because she's deciding between that and "sorry"-

Wyndon Stadium, Field

-Hyphatus flares—    flame    courses over her, seeps into hyphae-

-she's no liar-

-she skids back, gripping onto Fritte-

Hyphatus: <...>

-the heat in the arena gets hotter, and the air grows stale-

Stranger: I don't think this is exactly the place for introductions, is it? My name's right there on the scoreboard.

-and yet…-

-efforts suppressed, the heat has nowhere to go-

-Hyphatus burns-

-and-

Hyphatus used…Self-Destruct????

-explodes, in a fermented wave of poison and flame, securing the Stranger's tactical positioning-

~Hiro, Hiro, Hiro. You can't recognize an old friend?~

Hiro: …

Hiro: I suspect with you talking, I'd fail to recognize a great many things. Hello, Ramona.

Molybdenum.

---

Megan: Molybdenum told me that—J-Team-breaking aside—she was going after Hiro specifically 'cause he was chasing her all over Galar.

-patting the back of Ever's head- I haven't seen him give up easily, yeah.

-Ever sputters a bit-

Ever: Y-yep. Glad you're comfortable talking about it a bit lately.

No mind to think. No will to break.

same pasta cell

speaking of, shells

Field

-Hiro recalls Fritte as he's hurled back through the air, slinging a second ball forward in the same fluid motion-

Hiro: Tea, get the lay of the land, would you?

-his now-thoroughly-healed-from-an-extensive-slicing Arcanine races forward, aiming for a whiff of a familiar scent before the next challenger-

"We have a deal" could be nefarity, or—

Tea used Odor Sleuth!

-like clean air and bleach-

-there's some confused questions from the audience-

-Mostly about what this weird guy is talking about-

Stranger, please: -looking totally unfazed- No cheating!

-she sends out a Medicham-

Zen: ~Already?~

~This is the dramatically appropriate moment.~

Stranger: That Arcanine can teleport— I know this. Take their measure first.

-Zen closes their eyes-

-the glow seeps past their eyelids-

~On an ordinary occasion, at this juncture—~

~I would ask forgiveness for the violence I intend to inflict.~

~But.~

~This doesn't really seem like it'll take this long.~

Zen used Mind Reader!

Hiro: Oh good, it is you.

-Tea's mind contains many things: the taste of various bones and bone-analogues, the thrill of the chase, warm spots and where to find them-

Tea: -panting- <Play! Play! You've come back to—>

-a detailed model of a world-spanning prophecy…-

Tea: -blurring- <Play with me.> :)

-with no order from Hiro, Tea's in Zen's face—as soon as she's having the thoughts to be read, she acts-

Tea used Extremespeed!

-despite the quadruped body structure, one'd be hard-pressed to describe her movements as anything but martial-

-even with Legendary cauterization, and cuts as clean as Adelinde the Scythe is capable of...traces of healed wounds remain-

-Zen's scan indicates each of these, vulnerable-

-Hiro's own mind, should it be read...burns-

-knowledge gone incandescent radiates-

Hiro:    You are not welcome in this place.   

-...-

~Finally.~

-Zen steps back as Tea charges, bracing themself-

-flows, ribbonlike-

-an echo through the stadium, a faint shift in light as they focus power down to a point-

-air grows heavy-

Zen: <Empty Palm.>

-they twist, upper body rotating in a full circle-

-auric lightning crackles under their skin, and-

Zen: <Crushes the deceitful.>

-they strike— a blow aimed nowhere near the vulnerabilities-

-just a very, very powerful one, backed up by perfect positioning and understanding-

-the gathered power explodes-

Zen used Dynamic Punch!

Locker

Ever: …Holy shit.

Megan: O_O

Edited by memyselfandI2 on Feb 6th 2022 at 9:53:59 AM

Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.

Silas looked over the cargo and whistled an idle tune to himself. Khan was by his side inspecting everything, Hacks was carrying parts, and Conroy was familiarizing himself with notes on tight spaces.

Roxy stepped over. "So we're busy, what's the cargo?"

Silas smiled a bit. "Hazard suits, a commissioned design by PEFE. We're to touch down in northern Unova, supply the joint team with the suits, and go spelunking in an old research base."

"Pokefutures?" Roxy asked.

"Pokefutures."

She sighed and rubbed her head. "They're everywhere aren't they?"

"They had years to set themselves up and buy out locations, not hard to see why they are still causing trouble," Silas said setting down his note pad and picking up his helmet.

"As for us, I'm the official liaison so I have to join in. Helps that my Mando armor is pretty much protective. Beskar is fantastic."

Roxy smirked and let out a scoff. "Well, I hope you have fun."

"Not coming with? That power suit I built you can handle the radiation no problem."

Roxy laughed. "Babe, if I enter down there, how long before we fight invincible robots that want my DNA? Nooooooo thank you. Besides, I want a proper me adventure. We're still waiting on that custom shuttle."

Bishop popped out. "And don't forget the spatial generators."

Silas sighed, more upgrades just meant inviting trouble... how many times had the Wing been shot down now?

The large ship touched down, air dusting off. The cargo bay door opened and Silas stepped out, suited up, helmet in hand.

"Ah, you're here!" Dr. Williams said with a smile. "Welcome to Obsidian Peak!"

Silas blinked, and looked about at the 'Reclamation Team'.

Hammerlocke Stadium, VS Raihan

Evelyn: Now's our chance, Kako! Use Shock Wave and aim it at Jagger's barrier!

-Kako surrounds his hands in electricity, crackling a bright blue, which he fires from his palms as a beam at Jagger, bouncing it off the Obstruct barrier and striking the Whirlpool surrounding Gigalith and electrifying it!-

Me: Now, Ritchie! Use Bubblebeam!

-Ritchie spits out a stream of bubbles at Gigalith, pushing the Compressed Pokémon out of the eye of the maelstrom and into the swirling electrified waters of the whirlpool, shocking them into unconsciousness.-

Referee: GIGALITH IS UNABLE TO BATTLE!!

-The whirlpool subsides, allowing Raihan to call Gigalith back to its Poké Ball.-

Wyndon Stadium, VS Hoops

-As Raru and Simon are levitating, they evade the tremors caused by Gon.-

Evelyn and I: NOW! DOUBLE HYPNOSIS!

-Raru's eyes glow a calming pink as he sends soothing waves of psychic energy in Gon's direction while telepathically relaying the command "sleep!" into the Mystic Pokémon's mind. Simon raises his arm and shifts his wrist slightly, causing his pendulum to swing rhythmically back and forth, the glittering arc of the pendulum accented by the light from Raru's hypnotism as he telepathically relayed the same command into Gon's mind.-

Raru: <♫Mezasu basho to wa mada minu sadame~♪>^* On the path the hero travels is a destiny they've yet to know...

Simon and Raru: <♪Chikadzuite kuru kessen no toki~♫>^* ...as closer draws the final battle with every step that they go~

Turffield Stadium, Gym Challenge Puzzle Room

-Three bales of hay later, Emilie finally completes the puzzle.-

Emilie: Yes! I did it! The first puzzle of my Gym Challenge is complete! I can't wait to see how...

-She then turns around and sees the Wooloo, scattered about the puzzle room and eating the hay bales.-

Emilie: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

School Hunting Trip

Platinum: I don't care what happens to me, but if you interfere with the mission in any way, I will make you so dizzy that you'll think you were still up in the air. How would that feel? HUH?

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

Wyndon Stadium, past

Gon is overwhelmed by the double hypnosis. She tries to pull away, but her eyes are locked on, and she cannot keep them open. Just as she is falling asleep, she is hit by Sparkling Aria and sent rolling across the ground, stopping in front of Hoops. She doesn't move.

Hoops: Are you... knocked out? Or sleeping?

There is, predictably, no response. Hoops waves the referee over, who does several league standard checks to tell if a pokémon is sleeping or knocked out. These checks were implemented after complaints that referees were calling pokémon put to sleep by moves as unable to battle falsely, but that's not important right now.

Referee: Flygon is unable to battle!

Hoops curses under their breath and recalls Gon. They look up at the sandstorm, which still rages.

Hoops: Well, this does limit my options. But this is a good choice either way. Bis, I choose you!

They send out their Bisharp, who at first comes out in a kneeling possession before standing up and raising her blades.

Bis: <I am ready.>

Hoops: Right, then use Swords Dance!

Bis raises one of her claws and strikes them against each other several times in a rhythmic pattern that somehow makes them sharper, and not chipped and dull.

Hoops: Now, use Night Slash on that Ralts!

She extends long, dark blades from the ends of her claws and charges, ready to swing.

School Hunting Trip, past

Vana grins.

Vana: Relax, I don't plan to ruin your operation. All I'm saying is, don't get started talking about fears and we won't have a problem.

She goes to walk away and then stops and turns back.

Vana: And for the record, Platinum, there might be things that I am scared of. But you aren't one of them. And neither is anyone else in this School, so let's just find your sister before the next batch is completed, shall we?

Sandgem Town, present

Hoops: Okay but why though.

They are standing impatiently in a queue, while an excited Led struggles not to bounce up and down in the air in front of them.

Led: <This is the first café we've visited in Sinnoh. I got a guide book, and I've been wanting to visit all the recommended tourist locations. This café is one of them.>

Hoops looks around.

Hoops: Doesn't look too special.

Tot: <Now that's where you're wrong. This café is renowned around the world for its cream, which exclusively uses locally sourced Miltank farms. Add to that a few secret ingredients, and you have one hell of a tourist trap.>

Hoops: Weren't you in your pokéball? And where did you get those glasses?

Led: <The point is, please buy is something.>

Hoops sighs.

Hoops: You're lucky I love you guys. And that my dad was very rich.

Tot and Led: <Thank you!>

Hoops purchases a snack for each of them and takes them to a table outside. They take a small bite.

Hoops: This is actually really good.

Before they can take a second bite, they hear a scream of panic. They look around to see if someone else will deal with it, then sigh and stuff the treat in their bag.

Hoops: Come on.

They run off towards the sound of the scream.

Route 202, a few minutes later

The scream comes from Xaster, who had also left the Stormchaser once it arrived in Sinnoh. However, he quickly got himself lost, and is now surrounded by a small group of Shinx and Luxio that are unhappy that their territory has been infringed upon.

Hoops runs into the scene of Xaster with their hands on their head and curled up in the foetal position, while the pokémon growl at him.

Hoops: Hey, isn't that a person we know.

Tot: <Look, to save everyone a lot of time, that is Xaster. It seems implausible that neither one of you would have met the other while you both lived on the Stormchaser, so the audience assumes that you had a few brief conversations and you know who he is and his basic deal.>

Hoops: Right. Okay. Sure. You know a lot of the time when you talk, my brain just hears white noise.

Tot: <Necessary, I'm afraid.>

Xaster: Help me!!

Hoops: Oh, right. Uh, Led?

It takes about three seconds for Led to drive off all of these pokémon. The next three minutes are spent trying to coax Xaster out of the foetal position.

Hoops: Are you okay?

Xaster: Yeah, thanks to you. I got lost, and all of those pokémon attacked me.

Hoops: Could you not... battle them?

Xaster gasps and puts on hand on his chest, probably in the way that you just pictured that.

Xaster: Oh no, my pokémon aren't battlers. We are performers, bred for the structured world of contests.

Hoops: Aren't you part of the J-Team?

Xaster: Only provisionally. True, I have been living there for the last few months while I try to decide my path, but that doesn't mean I'm committed.

Hoops: Right. Well, have a nice day.

They start to walk away, and a desperate Xaster throws himself in front of them.

Xaster: Wait, please, I can't survive out here!

Hoops: Okay? Then I'll guide you back to town.

Xaster: And on the next route? What if this is to be repeated, and I find myself attacked by less forgiving pokémon.

Hoops tries to leave, but Xaster blocks the way.

Hoops: Learn to fight, I guess.

Xaster: Could you teach me?

Two years ago, Hoops would have said no without a second thought. Now, they give it at least a few seconds.

Hoops: No.

They try to leave again, but Xaster throws himself down like a prima donna.

Xaster: Please, it's more than just my safety! I worked out that the problem with my contest performances is that I don't understand the flow of a battle! With your training, I might finally win! It's all I want.

Those words strike a nerve in Hoops. Weren't they, once, so similar.

Hoops: I promise nothing. I'll see where you're at tomorrow.

They finally get to walk away, with Xaster eagerly following. Tot and Led, who were watching the whole thing, share a look.

Led: <This will be interesting.>

Tot: <Oh yes. This unlikely pairing will certainly be rife with storytelling possibilities.>

Edited by theoncominghoop on Feb 7th 2022 at 12:31:44 PM

Morata's Mansion

Odin: -to EMPEROR- <Do you think you could get them like, out of their ball?>

Grant Manor Christmas

-Owen akwardly waves to Nana before turning to Gale-

Owen: ...Performative?

Meat Palace

Lead Monkey: <Sounds like a plan! I'll get the grappling hook.>

Edited by Umbramatic on Feb 7th 2022 at 7:45:48 AM

Contact Me!

NOTE: This is not a timeskip, I will still be posting for The Techspo until the event is complete. I'm just dabbling in posting for different points in time for other sub-arcs.

Sometime in early 2022, Hoenn Region, Rustboro City, Devon Institute of Science and Technology, Library:

With his next semester approaching him sooner than expected and the deadline for registering for courses rearing its ugly head, Travis had spent almost an hour slaving away at the computer trying to classes to enroll in. Though this would sound easy on the surface, Travis had reached a point where he needed to find an internship for the semester to satisfy a pre-requisite before being allowed to take higher level courses.

“It's so stupid! Why can't I just finish all my courses and finish the internship last? I mean I get that it's supposed to give people inspiration for their thesis project and understand how their jobs actually work before graduating, but companies are looking to hire people as soon as possible and this just robs me of job opportunities because I have at least a year left of school after this...” Travis grumbled to himself while typing away. Tricky the Manectric would open an eye half-awake for a moment before yawning and going back to nodding off, having curled up for a nap by his chair after getting bored waiting for him to finish what he was doing.

“I know, I'm sorry Tricky. Today's internet is slower than usual, and if I could actually use the school's resources on my own computer I'd be done with this crap already,” Travis said before sighing in annoyance and muttering, “Stupid proprietary software...” Before he could get too much further with his browsing, his rotom phone would emit a Virgil-tone from Halo: ODST, prompting him to discover a new email. What initially started as excitement turned to disappointment as he opened a response to his internship application for the Devon Corporation, only to realize his application had been rejected.

Dear applicant,

While we thank you for your expressed interest and consideration, we regret to inform you we currently cannot accept your application at this time. We have had far more applications than expected this year, and were only able to offer a handful of positions. While we would have accepted all of our applicants in an ideal world, the fact of the matter is we simply cannot provide you an internship, though not for lack of ability.

Better luck next year,

Devon Corp HR

“Figures...Considering how prevalent Devon is around here, I'm not surprised it's the most popular option. Doubted I was going to get it, but I had to try..wait a minute...” Travis sighed with resignation before noticing a posting for an organization he never heard of before. “I don't know who this Team Asimov is, but they're offering internships and I want that damn degree,” He said to himself reading up on as many details as he could find both on the application and a quick internet search for a summary on the group. “I really hope they're not another one of those villain teams like Team Lightning or Magma, but based on what I've seen they do things just as cool, if not better than the Devon Corp ever has. At this point I'm desperate for options,” He then said before spending the next 10 minutes filling out and sending a digital application. About half a minute after sending the application, Travis would get an IM notification directly to his Rotom phone by a number he didn't recognize.

“First rejections now spam, lemme guess I probably won the Kalosian Lottery...” Travis remarked before opening the message that read:

Hey Travis it's Claudia, remember my term project I've been working on ahead of time since forever ago? I think I finally got it working for real this time! If you want to see it for yourself, swing by Dorm 204 at the E-Wing. I almost guarantee you'll be amazed.

I remember talking about virtual reality and doing all sorts of powerpoint presentations on doing more with it. It might be worth looking at, but the ast thing she tried to show off blue-screened in front of the whole class though...still, not like I have anything better to do than hurry up and wait, Travis thought to himself before moving himself off the chair hard enough to rudely awaken Tricky by accident. “Let's go Tricky, we're leaving!” He told the disoriented Manectric, who simply thought Finally... while following behind half-awake.

Edited by ParadoxialStratagem on Feb 7th 2022 at 6:04:21 AM

Living The Fever Dream

Hammerlocke Stadium

(Jagger laughs with delight upon seeing the Gigalith finally go down.)

Jagger:    <HAHAHAHA~! Three down, three to go!>   

Kim: (smirks) "You said it."

(She promptly returns Jagger and takes out another PokeBall.)

Kim: "You know... maybe I won't need to use as many Pokemon as I thought I would."

(The audience promptly proceeds to lose their minds, as all of them seem to realize who's coming up next.)

Wyndon Stadium (vs. Hoops)

(Geddy notices Bis immediately, smirking.)

Geddy: (singing) <Utsubeki PIRIODO wa... SUTAAAPURACHINAMU!> ^note  But the only one to close the show... STAR PLATINUM!

Turffield Stands

(Ingrid and Ananpi burst out into laughter.)

Ingrid: "Oh no...!"

Ananpi: <Silly Wooloo~! You're not supposed to eat the barrels of hay, chuu~!>

Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅

Route 201

-Walking up the route-

Kricketune: <We should find someone to battle, my blades cry to be used!>

...There's nothing here but small-fry, wouldn't be worth much of a battle.

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Morata's Manor, Upstairs

"..."

Ynos folds the note in his hand and slips it into a hidden corner of his room, where it's unlikely to be found.

Morata's Manor, Dining Room

Marjory: <Hm, well that's no good. I know full well that if there's friends involved you're not going to be convinced to leave...>

Seeing the look in Crochet's eyes, she decides it's probably not the time to muck around and tries another Flamethrower.

Morata's Manor, Basement

Morata idly twirls a lock of hair around her finger.

Morata: "I suppose since you all have the upper hand in this situation, I should tell you something."

"Hmm...."

She trails off for an infuriatingly long time.

Morata: "I don't suppose you'd believe me if I said 'because it seemed fun'? My life is so terribly boring most of the time. I don't have any deeper motives."

Aislinn: (Tone even) "So you had my mother killed because you thought it'd be fun?"

Morata: "Yes, exactly!"

Aislinn shuffles her hands behind her back.

Morata: "Well... Hm. Not exactly. That mask is a bit of a white Wailord for a lot of people in the know. I thought getting my hands on it would be a bit of an interesting diversion. And it was for a while. Finding out where it even ended up was a whole thing. And then there were the other people after it— most of them backed off at the first sign of trouble, but the crazier ones gave Ynos a good fight. The woman holding onto it was just so stubborn, though. Refused to budge for anything."

She waves a hand in front of her face before crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair. The way she speaks and acts feels like some kind of pantomime— like an actor who's on stage and needs to make big movements so the people in the back can tell what's going on.

Morata: "You know that feeling when something you want is just out of reach and it just makes you want it more? Well, I got a teensy bit obsessed after that. Then I'm assuming you all know what happened after. Not much else left to say, really."

Aislinn: "Yes I'm very well aw

—Aislinn draws her knife, Morata grabs her Alakazam's arm

Morata is gone, the knife is in the wall behind where her head was—

Aislinn: "... Tsk."

---

Geez none of these things are labelled how does Daydre tell them apar— oh wait, that one looks promising

EMPEROR: <Now let's just calm down—>

One way or another the release on Sylvie's ball is pressed and out she comes.

Sylvie: <WHERE IS THE ENEMY?! I have not savored the experience of glorious combat in so long!>

For the first time in... probably a while, EMPEROR looks nonplussed.

EMPEROR: <... Right! Calm! Yes! We should do that! A lot of you are injured so let's just get going!>

He sorta... interposes himself between Pollen and Vee as best he can while still carrying Daydre and trying not to get her reinjured.

EMPEROR: <So where is the nearest hospital!>

off the shits

Channah's Mindscape

Where she walks, the creatures keep away. A look makes them hiss and cower. Her voice sends them fleeing into the light, where they either go mad or die, from the sound of it.

Truth kicks the bloated body of a Barraskewda out of the way as she stalks down the corridors of the Cathedral's bowels. Some fail to keep up with the rest on their desperate charge, especially as her power waxes and theirs wanes. It isn't uncommon now to see them keel over as they go about their mindless business, as though suddenly struck by an infarction.

The creatures served a purpose, once, years ago. She even bent them to her will when it suited her. But that time is over. And who better to clean house than herself?

Of course, she has better things to do. But the path could stand a few detours. The end, after all, lies in sight.

She scans the white marble floors. Bodies lie here and there, marring the perfect whiteness with their self-inflicted wounds and disgusting drooling. She itches to burn them, leaving no trace behind. She doesn't.

Truth follows the soft golden glow that shines from the end of the corridor like a friendly beacon. It is bright and friendly. It beckons you closer, but at your own pace. No rush.

It feels wrong.

Wrong in the way that Hale had been, once her waking self had become aware of him. Or Tagg. Foreign presences who sang in the wrong key, the wrong time signature. Not incorrect in and of themselves, but not welcome here either. And Truth is a creature of darkness, so naturally she is repulsed by the warm glow.

But there is an even deeper sensation of uncanniness emanating from the light. Its sweet music seeps into your bones. The crooning voice makes dark promises while it caresses your mind with gentle things, hopeful touches. It lies.

To an abomination like Truth, it's almost fascinating.

The glow forms itself into the shape of a man. He stands encased - trapped - in a large red crystal, watching her with unblinking black eyes. His hands are frozen at his sides, also trapped.

She sighs and the crystal silently cracks, breaks, and dissipates into glimmering filaments absorbed into nothing by the heavy, dank air.

Ira. Are you prepared? Or do you need more time?

Ira: I-I'm ready.

Good. Because you really don't deserve any.

Truth’s eyes flash red under her hood.

...Ah fuck. Hang on a minute.
Tattered black fabric twists in on itself and she is gone.

Ira watches her go, newly-freed fingers twitching at his sides.

Somewhen

{Here thou art. Thou wert afraid?}
{I know. I would never leave thee for long.}

...

{There, there.}
{I shan't abandon thee again. My brilliant, Death-touched child.}

...

{Thou wilt never be alone after I am done with thee.}

Route 201, Sinnoh

Not far from Tagg are what seems to be three children in a field. They look about 10 years old.

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

Morata's Mansion, Upstairs - November 1st, 2021

Chiyo: -Walking downstairs- I hope everyone else succeeded better than I did.

Dining Room

Crochet: <Not this time!>

-Dodges the Flamethrower, twirling as she slashes Marjory's upper chest with an X-Scissor-

Basement

-To Morata-

You caused all this just for fun?

-Disgusted-

Geez, if this is what you do for fun, I'd hate to see what you do to those you hate.

-Seeing Aislinn draw her knife-

Ais-Witch, n-Teleport-

Pugh: -Looks visibly disappointed-

-Sighs-

Well we've got what we came for, so let's get out of here before she decides it'd be fun to call the cops.

Route 201, today

-Looking ahead-

What are those kids up to?

Roc: -Wakes up from napping on Gaia and affixes them with a glance-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Feb 7th 2022 at 12:44:51 PM

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Morata's Mansion, Basement

-this horrified silence has a distinct awed air-

-awed as in "awful"—

Thespi: <...we could tee-pee her house.>

Ceal: <Th-Thespi, no.>

Thespi: <What! She said it's not like she could stop us.>

Tripod: -points out, reproachfully, that she won't be the one cleaning it up-

Thespi: <Ugh yeah, darn. She is so scary, augh.>

-she shudders briefly—mostly not due to how deep they are underground, filling up slightly with stars-

-she turns-

Thespi: -to Aislinn- You have the mask, right? If not we should probably pick it up before we go. Maybe toss it in a volcano if it's not too sentimental.

-it's pretty much all sentiment, Tripod pointedly refrains from stating-

-...-

Thespi: -briefly drizzling- …I'm sorry about your mom. I'm…I'm sure she'd be proud of you, right now.

Ceal: -opens mouth-

Thespi: <Don't.>

Thespi: -beam, sunny as only Castform can really manage- You won, hey?

---

Pollen: <...Megan's girlfriend, Vee. Remember?>

-she retracts fully within herself, scorn warring with shame-

Vee: -spits up a cell phone-

-drowning in barely-restrained rage-

-Vee jabs at the screen, poking a contact until it connects-

Vee: <Abilene. We're in town.>

Abilene: -dry as Vee isn't- Ah, my rogue hydroponics. To what do I owe the

Vee: <Where's a nearby good medic? Lowdown, nothin' public like a Pokécenter.>

Abilene: What.

-her deadpan bemusement sits at odds with the clatter on the other end—did she fall out of bed?-

Vee: -through a closed eye, seethe cooling a shade further- <Don't—put yer name out there. We jus'—>

Abilene: Screw ''that, come to me. The café where we met, three doors down.

Vee: -prickling- <Should—should you be telling us where yer new safe houses are? Should you really—>

Abilene: -snap- If it happens again I know who to go'' to, don't I? Don't you dare be late.

-the lack of a desk phone slam in this smartphone hanging-up feels distinctly wrong-

-...-

Vee: -quiet- <...you remember where that was, don't you?>

Pollen: <...huh?>

Vee: <Tell Sylvie.>

Pollen: <W…wait, where are you going?>

Vee: <Out.>

-she vanishes into the ether, gone-

Pollen: <...>

-Pollen's thoughts are pretty open at the moment-

Wyndon Stadium, Hiro vs.

-she's a big dog-

-muscle and fat to carry multiple riders over a day without stopping, or being stopped-

-she's sent sprawling by the force of the blow, skipping once—twice, thrice—over hill and dale, dazed and Confused through sheer shock-

(-Hiro's hand sweats, clutching her Apricorn Ball like an anchor-)

(-he inhales, stoking something within-)

Hiro: -chuckling, dark and low- Incredible discipline. You didn't teach it to them, did you, Aghamora?

Aghamora: I don't know what you mean.

Zen: ~Is this…really what you brought me for?~

-in her befuddled attempt to right herself, Tea seems fully headed to knocking herself out on the stadium wall-

-Hiro pulls out a Flute-

---

-Megan clamps her hands over her ears-

Ever: Uh-oh.

---

-the sound that emerges is where ambiguity goes to die-

-Tea's eyes, nearly shut, flare open-

Hiro: Tea.

-she barrels toward him, to all appearances intent on smashing the thing from his hand(?), if nothing else(??)-

Hiro: -pointing, with the Flute- Fetch:

[[red:-whine!-

-she seems to self-immolate moments before impacting her Trainer-

-but sparks fly—she appears on Zen's far side with all her momentum and the last vestiges of her strength-

Zen: -fractional head shift-

~It's something.~

<Empty Palm…>

Tea used Reversal!

Tea: -howling- <Stay!>

-the roar breaks into a whimper, but her paw breaks the sound barrier, briefly, in her direction of motion-

Zen: <Purges the impure.>

-they take the hit to the face-

-because their vitality isn't there-

-they jab out with two fingers, one alight with psychic power, the other with aura-

-it's all focused downstream-

Zen used Force Palm!

(-internally, the twofold strike to Auric and nervous systems alike is the last straw-)

(-Tea's momentum arrests, Paralysis setting sharply in–the rippling shock freezing her to the full brunt of the blow in the fraction of an instant before loss of consciousness-)

-externally, Tea folds around Zen's palm with a sigh-

Hiro: …yeah.

-and collapses-

Tea fainted!

No mind to think. No will to break.

Wyndon Stadium, field

-Hiro shakes his head to the crowd's “ooof” of sympathy, recalling Tea-

Hiro: It's gonna be one of those days, isn't it?

-he pulls out a plain Pokéball, the last of its set-

Hiro: Well…maybe I shouldn't be so harsh.

Hiro:    -a smile, thin-    Wouldn't you agree, stranger? Maybe I shouldn't take this so seriously–   a battle without any stakes?   

What are this battle's stakes?

Aghamora: Oh, you know. Just showing the team a good time.

-she winks-

-it is very smooth and done for the right amount of time-

-Hiro sends out Curry, who gives their opponent a lopsided frown-

Curry: <You think I can win really this?> =:?

Hiro: –gesturing indecisively- I have faith in you to do as you do.

Curry: <Okay!> c:=

---

Pollen: <Bleh.>

---

-treating this as good enough…somehow, Curry tap-dances her way through limbering-up stretches-

Curry used Agility!

Zen: ~This isn't quite what I was promised.~

-they crack their neck a few times, shaking up their Aura-

Zen used Recover!

Hiro: -whether he can hear this or not- I'd very much like to know what you were promised. But, as it stands…

Hiro: You do know how to pick a very complicated set of techniques to deal with, don't you?

-Curry kicks a pebble like a [hacky sack], cheerfully inconsiderate of any promises of a good fight (etc.)-

-quick as sunset, she kicks it at Zen, becoming really inconsiderate of a good fight-

Curry's Libero!

-moments before intended impact, Hiro makes an “I'm-watching-you” gesture at the ball; its flame blazes white, then the transparent heat shimmer of burning gas-

Curry used Shadow Ball!

-and it spins to meet them-

True Strike!

Locker

Ever: See? That's called tactics. Doesn't matter how powerful that Medicham is, they legally cannot connect now. I mean, I guess there's like. Spam Recover and hope to outlast? But come on. That's that.

Field

-Zen is hit by the Shadow Ball, and knocked off their feet-

-they hit the ground in front of Aghamora, staring up at the air-

Zen: ~I see.~

Aghamora: Do you?

-they hop to their feet-

-they're breathing hard, eyes flicking back and forth, a little hunched-

-their composure is not cracked-

-they're just focused-

~Yes…this warrants a response.~

-they place their palms together-

-the air crackles-

Locker

Ever: No way.

Megan: That's…

Megan: -sitting upright, nervy- That's not possible, right? That can't be possible?

Field

Zen: <I am my master's greatest student. Let me show you why.>

-there are cracks, of flesh and bone, as muscles tense and hypertense-

-power honed to points and stoked like a furnace, then left to vent-

-and the ground around them erupts, invisible hands stabbing into it-

Zen used Krayu Mat!

Zen Mega Evolved!

Aghamora: -remains totally calm-

Zen: <...I will not fail.>

Locker

Ever: Haha, someone needs therapy.

Edited by memyselfandI2 on Feb 8th 2022 at 9:51:08 AM

Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.

Route 201, past

The children are arguing about something in the distance. Kid 1 is clutching his Turtwig to his chest. He cowers from Kids 2 and 3, a boy and girl accompanied by a Piplup and Chimchar respectively. Kid 2's vibrantly purple hair stands out among the two brunettes.

Kid 2: YOU take him, then! I'm not going to let him slow me down, this is MY adventure!

Kid 3: But it's not fair if you get to train without having to deal with him!

Kid 2: So let's just all go by ourselves, like I said!

Kid 3: But he'll die, or get lost or, or something! Then our parents are gonna be mad. You know he's a huge baby...

Kid 2: So what? We're not adults. That's what Pokemon are for. And if something happens to him, then we don't have to worry about him anymore!

Kid 1: I... I... (keeps trying to say something, but fails to break in and starts crying)

Kid 2: STOP it! You always cry! Arceus, what a loser.

Kid 3: (about to cry herself) YOU stop it!

All the Pokemon look distressed. Turtwig might pass out if he gets squeezed any harder. Piplup tugs on Kid 2's pant leg in vain. Chimchar plugs his ears.

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

Route 201, yesterday

-Making myself known-

Okay kids, what's going on?

Nudi: <Does something seem... familiar about one of those kids?>

Hitodama: -Is thinking similarly-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Feb 8th 2022 at 4:26:19 AM

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Wyndon Stadium, Field

Zen: <...>

-they burn-

-forget Recover-y, forget defense-

-weakness, flesh, all cut away, giving way to intent-

Zen: <A lesson, before I go.>

<Mega Evolution, as it's called now, was a technique designed for the slaying of gods. The purest expression of power.>

<I assume that you are under the impression that, because you are Ghost-type, I am helpless against you.>

< I will never be helpless.>

-intent ripples out-

-or maybe fists?-

-in the end-

-is there

-a difference-

Zen used Krayu Mat: Struggle: Astral!

Lockers

Megan: …

Stands

Abilene: …

Pokémon Center

Logan: …

Isle of Armor

???: …

Field

Hiro: …

Hiro: -looks down- …

-...-

Hiro: -looking back- …I see why she brought you on.

Curry: @_@

No mind to think. No will to break.

Route 202, present

Hoops stretches the last of the sleep out of their limbs and turns towards Xaster, who is nervously clutching a pokéball. Kec, Sal, Tot, Vul, and Led sit to one side, sharing a bucket of popcorn. Its source is currently unknown.

Hoops: Okay, I said I'd see how goo you were, so this is your chance to show me what you got.

They take out a pokéball and casually throw it forwards, releasing Sud.

Xaster: You have a shiny Sudowoodo? Do you know how many points you could get in the appeal round of a contest just for that?

Sud: <Finally, someone who appreciates me.>

Hoops: Okay, first lesson, and I'll give you this one for free. Don't get distracted complimenting your opponent's pokémon. Now come on, send out yours.

Xaster: Oh, right. RiRi, I choose you!

He throws the pokéball as hard as he can. It is a bit off centre, and so RiRi is a bit off centre on the makeshift field.

Hoops: Okay, lesson two, work on your throw. In official battles you'll be okay, but if you end up in a skirmish battle, positioning is important.

Hoops: Now come at me.

Xaster: You know, I have battled before.

Hoops: And how many battles have you won?

Xaster: Use Bubble Beam!

RiRi jumps into the air using his tail, and fires a small stream of bubbles towards Sud. She doesn't even bother to try and dodge, just lets them pop against her chest.

Sud: <Okay, that was good aim, sweetheart.>

RiRi: <Thanks!>

Xaster: What did she say?

Hoops: I thought you understood pokéspeak.

Xaster: I understand my own pokémon. I basically raised them, after all. And now you're distracted, use Slam!

RiRi quickly follows the instructions and runs at Sud. He jumps into the air and swings his tail so that it hits Sud hard in the chest. Or, hard by his standards. To Sud, professional hits taker, the attack is about as damaging as a pointy crisp.

Sud: <Okay, well, your movements are good, and you responded well.>

Hoops: You said it, Sud. They're in sync, they just have no power. At all. It's quite impressive actually. Don't contests include battles?

Xaster: Well, yes, but they don't require knocking out your opponent. It's more about style.

Hoops: Right. Well, if you haven't developed strength so far, I don't know what I can do for you. Sud?

Sud raises her arm and prepares to use Hammer Arm, which will surely knock out the much smaller pokémon in one hit.

Xaster's brain fires into overdrive, his mind honed from years of performing in contests. He see a plan, and acts in a moment.

Xaster: Water Gun!

Something in his voice gets through to RiRi that this command is not an attack. Instead he uses his attack on the ground beneath him, which sends him flying into the air, far above Sud.

Xaster: Now, use Bounce!

RiRi uses his height to power his attack, and as he falls towards Sud he spins gracefully and slams his tail into the top of Sud's head. Xaster and RiRi share a grin, before they realise that Sud didn't even bend from the attack. And RiRi is now in the air in front of them from the ricochet, with nowhere to go.

Hammer Arm stops about half an inch from RiRi. Sud then pulls her arm back and walks over to Hoops.

Hoops: Shall we call that our win?

Xaster looks down at their hands, which they realise are shaking.

Xaster: They're so much more powerful than us. It was like we weren't even there? What's the point in trying something when I start off so far behind.

RiRi: <Zu ri?>

Xaster: Better question, are you okay?

RiRi: <Azu.>

Xaster: That's good. But what now? I feel like I've reached my limit with contests, and I'm so weak at battling. Where does that leave me?

Hoops looks at Kec.

Hoops: Hey, Kec?

Kec: <Hm?>

Hoops: What would you say if we weren't the ones battling the gym leaders in this region?

Tot: <Ooh, interesting?>

Sal: <Seriously, him?>

Hoops: I don't know. Maybe I did see one tiny iota of potential.

Led: <That little?>

Vul: <Little things can grow. Remember how weak I was two years ago?>

Hoops walks over to Xaster, who is still brooding.

Hoops: I'll teach you. But you have to do everything I say, deal? And you're battling the gym leaders in this region.

Xaster blinks.

Xaster: Really? But why?

Hoops: That's for me to know. Now, your training will begin with your team doing press-ups. Get to it.

Route 201, past

Kid 2: (points at Kid 1) He's too scared to go on his Pokemon adventure by himself! He's holding us all up!

Kid 1: (unintelligible wailing)

Kid 3: (sniffling) They said we should all go together, though... We've always done everything together...

Kid 2: Well he's your twin! Not mine!

Kid 3: He's YOUR best friend!

Kid 1: (runs and hides behind Hitodama, whimpering) I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

The dead flower trail near Hitodama suddenly starts springing back to life.

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

Route 201, past

-Eyebrow raise-

You shouldn't treat your friends or siblings like that, you know?

-Notices the change in Hitodama's flowers and we share a knowing (?) glance but don't say anything while I comfortingly pat Kid 1's head-

When I was a kid, I traveled alone, but I feel like you three would work better together than apart.

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.