Dunsparce Cloud
Hearthome PMC
Brie: That kind of strategic thinking is why they pay you the big bucks.
...I mean, I assume they pay you the big bucks. If the Frontier can afford a giant pyramid they can afford decent salaries, right?
Wyndon Stadium
Ever: Competence is attractive.
And yeah, we're an, uh...well, the word I want to use probably isn't one I should be using, so I won't. But we're a complicated lot. There have been a lot of combinations.
I'm sure I'd like Daydre, though. Your stamp of approval is...too easily given, admittedly, but she seems pretty cool.
???
PEFE!Every: Uh, if you want help, I can help with that.
I want to study that Typhlosion, incidentally! But for the time being...oh, did I ever introduce myself?
My name is Every Memito, this is the Dunsparce Legion. I've met a few of your colleagues and I have to say I was never very impressed since I think your organization is too fixated on the human form. Though you have provided me with some ideas for models, obviously. And I am very intrigued by you personally even if I don't like your plans, and I think Ever needs to be punched in the throat from time to time to keep them honest.
-she sticks out a hand-
I know your name of course, but you should probably introduce yourself once you're not on fire. I hear it's the done thing.
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
Flying Colors
Hearthome PMC
Kai: Oh, yeah. At the very least, I don't have to worry about running out, as long as I'm not, like... suddenly dumping mounds of money into big extravagant projects.
-They pause.-
Kai: ...does yours have decent pay?? Like, I know you're doing a lot less cosmic-hero stuff now that the sky's closed up, but you're still getting by, right?
Dunsparce Cloud
Hearthome PMC
Brie: Oh, yeah, they're still paying me. It's— I mean, if I were looking to settle down, I'd need something else, but it's a solid stipend as long as they remember what currency our planet uses. And it's normally a very cushy job. Like right now, for instance. Just, sometimes there are actual multiversal disasters and then I gotta help out. You know.
-she beams-
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
Flying Colors
Hearthome PMC
-We've discussed in the past, the way Kai just sort of melts whenever Brie gives that bright beaming smile. She's very fond of that smile.-
Kai: Heh. Glad to hear that. It is nice that there's less risk of you getting whisked away abruptly to worlds unknown in the morning, I feel less bad asking you to stay the night.
Edited by BittersweetNSour on Mar 3rd 2022 at 5:34:06 AM
Outside Hearthome City Contest Hall ~ Present Day
The Emissary of Darkness Cometh! (3)
Diverted by the opponent's quick thinking, the Horn Attack fails to hit its mark, and Pungiglione strikes at air, as he grimaces from the Razor Shell that at the very least scrapes him. But DARKNESS💀DEVIL is not so easily beaten, or they would not have... gathered their reputation? What reputation? Have you in fact ever heard of this guy, you wonder? No matter. They are quick to issue their next command-!
"Good, good! But this is far from over! Pungiglione! Go! Beast King Furious Stampede!!"
And again, without missing a beat, comes the command translated into actual meaningful words.
"Double Kick!"
As for Pungiglione, the Nidorino still hasn't spoken. If the opponent's words have got to him is not so difficult to guess however, as he has visibly grimaced at the Samurott's line. Nonetheless, now aimed for its shell are two fierce kicks courtesy of its hind legs, as the 'mon balances himself on the posterior legs and faces the other way. True, this is not very accurate, but it is quite powerful if it hits.
What will you do, allies of all things just?
Person, or Idea?
"Nice to meet you, Jade," Mitchell says. "And yes, we're looking for the Pokemon Center. If you're willing, please show us the way there."
Gav is surprised at Jade's response. Turning towards Aros, he asks <Did your Boss just understand what I said?>
Meet The New Boss
Kanto Route 8
Torkoal: <All I want to know is if you've come seeking shellvation, like u-=>
???: <SITUATION!>
-Another Torkoal approaches. Slowly.
<Situation, situation! We've got a situation here!>
Torkoal 1: <Woah, woah, calm down. Is it a good situation or a bad one?>
-They start heading off-
Torkoal A: <Bad situation!>
Torkoal 1: <Bad situation?!>
Jublife, Mitchell Zone
Jade: Okay, uh, sure, come on.
-she starts heading off-
Aros: <Uh, yeah? She learned monese in school.>
Jublife, Contest Zone
-Justice is waiting in line-
Contact Me!
like christ, but with more nails
Route 201, past
Kid 2 opens his mouth to say something, but vines shoot up from the ground, engulfing him entire, before returning back to the earth. Nothing is left behind.
Kid 3: (stares in horror) ...Guys? Guys?
The rumbling storm in the distance grows nearer, darkening the sky.
Kid 3 reaches up to Tagg in wordless fear, but before she can touch him, raindrops land on her head and shoulders, and she dissipates into black smoke and flyaway embers on the wind.
The Pokemon fade into nothing alongside her. The weather effects clear up, leaving Tagg and his team standing there on a perfectly clear day.
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.
Priest of the Temple of Syrinx
Hammerlocke Stadium
Elton: <W-whoa—!>
(Elton is pulled back into his PokeBall due to Roar— and in an instant, Grohl emerges from his own PokeBall. Kim nods towards him.)
Kim: "Simple. I liked it very much. Because now that Grohl is on the field..." (She raises her wrist up, revealing her Mega Ring and Key Stone.) "It's time."
(The audience roars with delight. Almost as if on cue, "The Pretender" by Foo Fighters begins to play, echoing throughout the stadium. Kim places two fingers to her Key Stone while Grohl holds up his Ampharosite, and immediately on cue, one after the other—)
(And then something unexpected happens.)
(Kim smirks, turning to face Grohl.)
Kim: "I think they've already got it covered."
(Grohl nods, as yellow energy emerges from the Key Stone and orange energy emerges from the Ampharosite. The two beams of energy come together and promptly turn Grohl a bright orange. Seconds later, as the instrumentation of the opening to "The Pretender" begins to play, he begins to change.)
(His ears become segmented and curl downwards, and long, flowing and white hair erupts from his head.)
(The white fluff promptly erupts from his tail, as do the red orbs, and soon afterwards, the orange light snaps off of Grohl, revealing him in his Mega Form.)
Wyndon Stadium (vs. Hoops)
(The Hyper Voice hits Grohl, knocking him back a bit, but doesn't do that much damage overall. Instantly, Grohl glows blue and releases blue electricity out towards Tot in retaliation.)
Turffield Stadium Stands
Ingrid: "Wonder what she's going to do..."
Ananpi: <Me too, chuu~! This is going to be an interesting matchup...>
Circhester, School Hunting Trip
(Oliver relaxes a bit, staring into Platinum's eyes.)
Oliver: "Y-yes... the Templars... they might be out for me..."
Uefo: <...who?>
Mito: (sheepishly, to Uefo) <W-we'll explain later...>
Kanto Route 8
Kim: "Faithful? What exactly do you mean by that."
Cuddles: <Hi, Torkoal~!>
Mauville City— Stage— Backstage
(Somewhere in Mauville City, while Axis and the rest of the group are looking for the performance with the Goomy, there is a stage. It is lit up with thousands of colored lights and the words THE AMAZING VISCOR!!!! are shown on the front. No pictures are shown. Backstage, however, we see a Goomy, looking out nervously from behind the curtains. He shakes his head and turns away.)
Goomy: <Oh dear... the audience will be coming soon...>
(He looks over at a box filled with masks, hats, and the like.)
Goomy: <Come on... don't get so nervous. T-this is theatre! You love theatre! Y-you can do this...>
(Another look out at the audience, which is starting to grow.)
Goomy: <...Hopefully...>
(He sighs, turning away, and looking down at a packet that reads SCRIPT.)
Your name is VISCOR. You are a GOOMY.
According to the Pokedex, you have a SASSY NATURE— much like KENDALL'S SYLVEON. And, also like THE SAID SYLVEON, you have a TRAUMATIC PAST— in which your original Trainer DIED HORRIFICALLY (but we'll get to that later). However, UNLIKE Sylveon, who will make SNARKY QUIPS AND WITTICISMS every chance that she gets and dives fully into her SASSY NATURE, you... will not. Largely because the Pokedex is LYING. Your actual nature is TIMID, not SASSY— the Pokedex got you confused with one of your brothers who actually DID have a SASSY nature. The slightly funny thing is that if you wanted to, you could roast your friends and family into oblivion, but there's a slight problem: if you're not on the stage performing, you are quite possibly one of the most MODEST POKEMON IN EXISTENCE. You self-deprecate yourself constantly, you apologize for almost EVERYTHING YOU SAY-- or that you did say on the stage-- and you try to treat everyone you meet with respect. The funny thing is, though, in your efforts to DISTANCE yourself from your supposed nature, you also end up showing it— but not in the way you might THINK. The thing with you is that the only definition of your supposed nature that you are aware of is the "impudent, cheeky, conceited" one— and that's the one you try to avoid. In fact, it's safe to say that the only mon you're ever impudent or cheeky towards is YOURSELF— hence your actual natural timidity.
But the OTHER DEFINITION is the one you DO fall into— the "lively, spirited, vigorous" one. At least, when you're on stage. And nowhere is that showcased more than your main interests— namely, THE THEATER, ROLEPLAYING, and a little thing you may have heard of called HOMESTUCK. The first two make sense— your corresponding god is DIONYSUS, after all, and he was the PATRON SAINT OF THE THEATRE— but your love of HOMESTUCK is just as strong. You have been to a TON of shows on Broadway, you listen to soundtracks from them constantly, you love DND and RPG games, and you have READ HOMESTUCK OVER 5 TIMES AND HAVE MEMORIZED THE QUIRKS OF EVERY SINGLE HOMESTUCK TROLL to the point where those quirks basically serve as an EMOTIONAL MOOD RING in text. Being on stage is pretty much the only time where you are your supposed nature in every sense of the word— though of course, afterwards, you end up apologizing to the actors and actresses after the show is over. Which is still your nature— your ACTUAL nature— in every sense of the word. Offstage, however, despite your modesty, you are very much a CHEERFUL, FUN, OUTGOING, and LIVELY Goomy— and that is something that you are VERY MUCH WILLING TO STAY AS. Instead of hiding your feelings of shame, guilt, and nervousness with SARCASM, you hide them with HAPPINESS. In that regard, you can't help your supposed nature— and sometimes you can't even help your supposed nature in the "cheeky and impudent" sense, as you are very much capable of— and enjoy— roasting MOVIES, TV SHOWS, AND ESPECIALLY MUSICALS. And then you will apologize for roasting said musical. Oh, and despite all the Camp Gay stereotypes you exhibit, you are 100% STRAIGHT and are willing to remind anyone who tells you otherwise.
And then apologize for it dear God please stop being ashamed of yourself.
In about 30 minutes WAAPT time, you will be caught by one AXIS HUNTER.
Your Hasslemon handle (when you have it) will be astonishingThespian (AT) and /you have a very theatrical an:D high-pitche:D voice (Role: AA-AM) /that is able t0 imitate (Role: CG-KV) /EVERY SINGLE HOMESTUCK TROLL (Role: GC-TP) /4N:D C4N 34S1LY SH1FT (Role: TA-SC) /between emotiion2 (end scene)
Level of Homestuck familiarity: The biggest Homestuck fan in Unit Alpha bar none. You probably know more about Homestuck than even your Trainer does.
Edited by OPALGARNET16 on Sep 13th 2022 at 2:11:44 PM
Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅
The Wanderer
Route 201, past
-As the other kids disappear-
The fuck?
Luxray: -Grumbling- <Someone's messing with us.>
Seems so, but for what purpose?
Kanto Route 8, past
Ann: I guess we should probably follow along...
Jubilife, February 20th
Not a lie...
-To Horatio-
I just felt like coming here.
Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 3rd 2022 at 9:53:06 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Person, or Idea?
"Thank you so much!" Mitchell replies. He follows Jade at a brisk pace, dragging his stroller behind him.
<Huh,> Gav says. <I didn't know our language was taught in human schools.>
In response to this, Mitchell says "Whatever you're saying, Gav, I hope our guides are taking it the right way."
Gav sighs. <Neither does my Boss, I guess.>
like christ, but with more nails
Route 201, past
In the corner of Tagg's eye, Channah is there.
She stands where Kid 3 had been, looking at Tagg oddly. A Chimchar plays with her shoelaces.
Channah: ...Yoouuu okay? You kinda zoned out there.
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.
The Wanderer
Route 201, past
-To Channah-
Sorry, was just thinking about some stuff. Did you notice any odd mist?
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
like christ, but with more nails
Route 201, past
Channah: Mist? Heh? (looks down) Etienne, you up to any funny business?
Etienne the male Chimchar: (shakes his head) <Ook!>
Channah: Meh. I dunno. Well, I don't know what your plan is but I'm gonna do the gym challenge while we're stuck in this godforsaken purgatory of a region.
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.
Empathic Kid Hero-in-training
Hammerlocke Stadium, VS Raihan
Raihan: Ah, Mega Evolution. Not bad... Y'know, some people might call that a "sentimental cheap shot". Me? I'd just say... Try not to get yourself crushed!
-Raihan's Dynamax Band glows with a radiant crimson light.-
-A burst of energy surges from Raihan's Dynamax Band, causing Duraludon to glow with a red aura. The energy surge causes the Alloy Pokémon to roar with a metallic screech as his strength intensifies.-
Raihan: I don't suppose you're familiar with the Arcana "The Tower", are you?
Evelyn: Actually, I am. Arcana XVI: The Tower... Representative of sudden change, often calamitous, and outright chaos... When inverted, it's even worse...
Raihan: Well, get ready for the true might of a Tower of Gray! The might of the dragons has long been revered and feared... and now, combined with the power of the steel once used to slay them, they're now virtually UNSTOPPABLE! DURALUDON...
GIGANTAMAX!!
-The transformation was sudden. A swirling storm of Dynamax Energy blocks out the sun as Duraludon, bathed in the Galar Particles, began to grow to over 141 feet tall. Not only does the Alloy Pokémon change in size, but in form, as window-like glass panels form on his abdomen and he takes on the appearance of a skyscraper.* When the transformation is complete, Raihan's Duraludon lets out a cross between a bellowing roar and a harsh metallic screech. Ian and Evelyn cover their ears.-
Evelyn: Well, Ian... We've come this far... Let's finish this the way we always do...
Me: Yeah... Let's Get Dangerous!!
-Ian pulls his Wishing Star out of his pocket, looks to Evelyn and nods. Evelyn looks back to Ian and nods. The two trainers stand side by side, hold each other's hand and raise the hands holding their Wishing Stars to the sky, as though to invoke the Dual Aurora Wave.-
Evelyn and I: O, Wishing Star, hear our plea
May heart and mind unite as one
Great Power, we do ask of thee
To grant unto our Pokémon!
-The Wishing Stars begin to glow a brilliant red, matching the color of Eternatus' core, before generating a heart-shaped surge of Dynamax Energy.-
Me: Piku-chan...
Evelyn: Hatty...
Me: GIGANTAMAX!
Evelyn: DYNAMAX!
-Hatty jumps onto Piku-chan's head, and a second surge of Dynamax Energy is released by the two Wishing Stars.-
-The transformation was sudden. A swirling storm of Dynamax energy formed overhead as Piku-chan and Hatty were bathed in Galar Particles, granting them a red glow. Piku-chan and Hatty, bathed in Galar Particles, begin to grow to massive heights, with Piku-chan growing to over 68 feet tall, and Hatty growing to around the same height. However, Piku-chan's form begins to change, his tail lengthens and starts to glow, his physique gets rounder, and the electricity stored in his cheeks grows to startling levels.-
G-Max Piku-chan: <Pi-KAIJU!!!>
Hatty: <Ha-trrrrEM!!>
Wyndon Stadium, VS Hoops
-Raru digs in his little nightgown-covered heels to keep from getting blown too far backwards by Tot's Hyper Voice, and he retaliates with another Disarming Voice.-
Raru: <♪Rekishi ni utsu kusabi... STAAAAAR PLATINUUUUUUUUM!!!~♫>*
Turffield Stadium, Emilie VS Milo
Emilie: Levy, use Metal Claw!
Milo: Tsareena, use Trop Kick!
-The blades on Levy's arms sharpen and glow with a metallic sheen. She then charges headlong at Milo's Tsareena, whose foot glows green with a tropical aura and she runs at Levy. The two attacks clash in the middle and the two Pokémon jump back.-
Emilie: Now use Night Slash!
Milo: Now use High Jump Kick!
-The metallic sheen that Levy's blades glow with changes into a shadowy aura as Levy lunges at Tsareena, who jumps high into the air and intercepts the pitch-black sword strike with a mighty kick.-
Kanto Route 8
Evelyn: NANI?!
Me: A situation?!
Piku-chan: <Still... What did that Torkoal mean by "The Faithful" and "shellvation"?>
Circhester, School Hunting Trip
-Platinum maintains eye-contact with Oliver as she has them slowly fall under her sway (if her sway is slowly luring the target into a deep, dreamless sleep.)-
Platinum: -calmly and alluring- You don't have to worry about those silly Templars, little Oliver... you can rest easily here... Just relax, and let go of your worries...
-Radon looks over at Vana and sings, softly but snarkily.-
Radon: -to Vana- ♫Trusssst in meeeee... Jussssst in meeeee...♪
Edited by AnimeboyIanpower on Mar 4th 2022 at 10:19:15 AM
♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...
The Wanderer
Route 201, past
-To Channah-
Same, basically an anniversary run for me.
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
like christ, but with more nails
Route 201, past
Channah: Cool, you know I'd like to catch a -
???: There you are, lovelies.
A man with feathery pink hair and purple wintery gear appears behind them, followed closely by a Piplup. His left arm is in a sling.
Kamon: Ciao!
Channah: ... Hisss
Kamon: (puts his free hand up) Okay okay okay, don't hurt me! I'm already an invalid! Hear me out!
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.
Meet The New Boss
Kanto Route *
Jackie: "...I'm going after them."
-she heads after the Torkoal-
-Olivia hesitantly follows-
Jublife, Tagg Zone
Horatio: "I came here to... Reminisce."
Garchomp: <Not entirely in the nostalgic sense.>
Contact Me!
The Wanderer
Wyndon Stadium, past
Toy tries to fly away, but Shock Wave curves after him and strikes him. He falls to the ground, and looks up and sees the Disarming Voice attack closing in.
Tot: <Looks like I won't be around to take my bow. Boss, you got this.>
When the smoke clears from the attack, he is unconscious. Hoops grimaces and recalls him.
Hoops: I'm looking forward to hearing your songs, buddy. But for now... Jas, I choose you!
They throw out their next pokéball to show off Jas, who begins to flit, for lack of a better word, in tight circles.
Hoops: Start off by using Double Team!
Jas continues to fly in the same pattern, except that now every time he changes direction a new copy of him is created that flies off in the same way, exponentially increasing the speed of the doubles. Soon, there is a small army of Ninjask on the field.
School Hunting Trip
Vana rolls her eyes.
Vana: Yep, the creepy song is absolutely the best thing to use here. You done?
Oreburgh Gym
Referee: It's now time for the last of the three battles! Trainers, send out your pokémon now!
Roark: Cranidos, I choose you!
Xaster: Go, RiRi!
For the second time, Cranidos squares off against Azurill. Xaster tries to slow down his breathing, and remember what he talked about Hoops.
The day before...
Hoops: So, Cranidos. You sure you want to use RiRi again?
Xaster: Sure.
Hoops: Okay.
They point to a whiteboard where there is a crudely drawn picture of Cranidos.
Xaster: What's that?
Hoops: Hey, no talking about the art.
Xaster: Fine.
Hoops: Anyway, Cranidos has incredible attack, but its defences are, well... on a scale of one to ten where ten is a mountain and one is your level of competence, it's at about a two.
Xaster: So is zero the level of your drawing skills?
Hoops: Touché. Anyway, here's what you do...
In the Present
Xaster: RiRi, use Bubble Beam!
RiRi uses his tail as a booster to get him into a the air, and fires a stream of bubbles from his mouth that hit on and around Cranidos. In contrast to the previous battle, Cranidos actually does seem to take damage, and winces, pulling his head downwards.
Roark: Wow. I can tell you got stronger. But let's see how much, Cranidos! Use Headbutt!
Cranidos roars and puts its head down before charging towards RiRi. Its aim is true, and it hits him just before he hits the ground, catapulting him in a spin backwards.
Xaster watches as RiRi is thrown past him at a great speed, but instead of panicking he smiles.
Xaster: Use Bounce!
RiRi twists himself in the air so that his tail connects to the wall first. It squashes down, like a bouncy ball, but it is enough to bring him to a complete stop for just an instant before he is thrown back the other way. Cranidos barely has time to blink before RiRi slams into it and throws it to the ground, where it doesn't move.
Referee: C... Cranidos is unable to battle! That means that Azurill wins, and the challenger Xaster takes the match!
Xaster stands there for a second, not really believing what he is hearing. Did he actually win a gym battle?
Then RiRi jumps into his arms, snapping him back to reality. A second later he is glomped by Hoops and their pokémon.
Hoops: I can't believe it! You actually did it!
Xaster: So I guess I'm not so useless?
Hoops: Eh, wouldn't go that far.
Roark approaches, smiling.
Roark: Well, that certainly caught me by surprise. How did you think of that strategy?
Xaster: My mentor helped me. It made sense that a pokémon with so much attack and so little defence wouldn't be able to handle its own power.
Roark: Well, you earned this. Take this Coal Badge.
He hands over the small pin. Hoops takes it and holds it up to Xaster.
Hoops: Hold still.
They fiddle with it a little, and when they're done Xaster looks down to see the badge attached to their scarf. It looks nice.
Roark: So, where's next for you? I would recommend Eterna City, personally. I think the leader there would offer a good challenge for you.
Xaster: Thank you. And maybe we could battle again sometime?
Roark: I'd like that. Good luck in future battles.
Outside the Gym
Hoops is squinting at a map.
Hoops: Seems like the best way for us to get to Eterna City is by heading back to Jubilife first.
Xaster: Thank Arceus, some time in the big city. You come to miss it, you know?
Hoops: I do not. Anyway, maybe on the way you upwait these videos. Maybe your fans would like them.
Xaster: ... Do you mean upload?
Edited by theoncominghoop on Mar 5th 2022 at 12:09:34 PM
Dr. Grant lead his small team to the test chamber, he rolled his left shoulder. "Alright, Travis, you're on Cart Duty. Maggie, climb up to the starter please. I'll be checking the monitor for activity."
~And us?~
"Stabilization and rapid response. You guys can get us out if something goes wrong."
Hacks made a thumbs up motion and smiled.
Maggie gave a thumbs up.
Maggie: "You got it, boss!"
Se climbed up to the starter, ready to activate it when the others were ready.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
The Eccentric Electric
Obsidian Labs:
"You got it boss!" Travis replies before finding the cart containing the sample, positioning himself to push it on command. Travis would end up spending a moment looking at all the test chamber equipment before finding himself distracted and asking, "Wow, this is some seriously high-tech equipment. What is all this though, a teleporter? A scanner?"
Living The Fever Dream
"We're studying the Entralink," Dr. Grant responded. "This equipment is to test samples we think resonate with the Entralink, see if we can generate other gateways."
~Perhaps make a more efficient teleporter system than the one based on Psychic types,~ Hacks added. ~You know, the one that superimposes a target elsewhere.~
Dr. Grant shrugged, "Okay Maggie. Start her up. Travis when the Chamber hits 80% charge, begin to maneuver the sample in."
Signpost, Nowhere In Particular
WHEN: The Day Of Fools
WHO: The "Prairie Wolf"
HOW: ;)
WHY: Come see the culmination of the story years in the making, as our dear host finally puts a pin in the machinations of our favorite mother to hate (that isn't our own).
RPSV if you want your seat saved and a cold bottle saved for you.
~C
-The red-headed man tilts his head.-
Tam Lin: What do you think?
-The large man with the snow white hair and smell of Pyroars taps his chin for a moment.-
Blue Belt: Holding it on the Fools' Day... I can't imagine just what he intends to do.
-The third member of this temporary Nowhere community leans over the ears of his giant Lycanroc mount to read the notice with a bit more clarity.-
Boots: I don't know about you, but I hear good things about where this story's going.
Tam Lin: From who?
Boots: The Corax. One of the Corax's patrons is in the story, and Hans apparently helped with the latest plot twist.
Blue Belt: Wait, Hans? I thought he was still a depressive not-drunk.
Boots: Coyote fixed that for him, apparently.
Tam Lin: Damn, alright, now I'm interested.